Panic buying in supermarkets has seen restrictions placed on some essential items.
Last week, following the announcement of the new coronavirus measures, there were reports that stockpiling had started once again.
And, it appears, bosses at some of the UK’s supermarkets have stepped in.
This is to ensure we do not see a repeat of the empty shelves from earlier this year, when the country was first placed in lockdown.
Which supermarkets have imposed panic buying limits?
Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda last week urged Brits not to panic buy amid fears of a second national lockdown.
However, it appears not everyone heeded the advice, with pictures showing some stocking up on essentials such as toilet roll.
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As such, Morrisons was the first to impose buying limits.
A spokesperson revealed: “We are introducing a limit on a small number of key products, such as toilet roll and disinfectant.
We are introducing a limit on a small number of key products, such as toilet roll and disinfectant.
“Our stock levels of these products are good but we want to ensure that they are available for everyone.”
Tesco, too, has imposed limits on flour, dried pasta, toilet roll, baby wipes and anti-bacterial wipes.
Shoppers are only allowed to buy three of each item in store.
Do restrictions apply online, too?
Online, restrictions have been places on rice and tinned vegetables.
While a rep said stores have “good availability, with plenty of stock to go round” the “bulk-buy” limits are currently in place.
Waitrose, too, has also set panic buying limits.
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A spokesperson revealed: “To ensure that customers can get what they need, we’ve set a purchase limit on a small number of items including toilet rolls and hand sanitiser.”
It applies if you’re shopping in store and online.
Limits haven’t currently been set by Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Co-op, Lidl or Iceland.
Brits struggling to find the essentials
Last week, ED! revealed that shoppers at a branch of Sainsbury’s in Surrey were struggling to find the essentials.
Posting on Facebook, one wrote: “Went to Sainsbury’s about an hour ago and no chicken breast anywhere.
“All the popular rice and pasta has been stripped – not much left. And the beans were getting a bit bare,” they added.
Another added: “Went to Aldi this evening. Girl on the till told my daughter they were cleared out today. People are selfish, no need for it.”
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