A shortage of notebook computer batteries is slowing growth in the emerging market segment for ultra low-cost notebook computers and ultra-mobile personal computers, industry sources and analysts said on Wednesday.

Following a fire at a plant of LG Chemical, the South Korean battery cell maker, supplies are expected to fall short of demand from battery pack makers, notebook assemblers and notebook vendors at least until June and probably well into the third quarter of this year, said Chris Wei, an analyst at the Market Intelligence Center, an industry think-tank in Taipei.