"The present decision was arrived at in view of the currently diminished [Swedish] Academy and the reduced public confidence in the Academy," it said in a statement.
"Work on the selection of a laureate is at an advanced stage and will continue as usual in the months ahead but the Academy needs time to regain its full complement, engage a larger number of active members and regain confidence in its work, before the next Literature Prize winner is declared."
The academy said it aimed to award two prizes in 2019.
