THE Limestone Coast has not been immune from panic buying which has gripped the nation amid fears of a coronavirus outbreak.
Woolworths has started rationing its toilet paper stock, limiting customers to four packs per transaction in response to the widespread panic, while Coles confirmed it has increased deliveries from its suppliers to minimise any shortages.
Kimberly-Clark Australia Millicent Mill management has also confirmed its production of toilet paper and tissues has recently increased, but to what extent has not been quantified other than production was on a 24/7 timeline.
Shelves remained empty or at low stock levels in the Blue Lake city yesterday, as a result of the national frenzy – which has been widely attributed to uncertainty over the coronavirus spread – to stockpile essentials such as paper products, hygiene supplies and other non-perishables.
Woolworths yesterday declined to answer specific questions about the presumed link between panic buying and the coronavirus, stating the quantity limit on toilet paper packs was to ensure more customers have access to the products.
“The purchase limit of four packs per transaction applies in-store and online and will help shore up stock as suppliers ramp up local production in response to higher than usual demand,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
“Our teams are continuing to work hard on restocking stores with extra deliveries of long-life food and household staples from our distribution centres.
“The vast majority of the products ranged in our stores remain available for our customers as normal.
“We apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by temporary stock shortages and thank them for their patience.”
Supermarket giant Coles warned there may be some temporary stock shortages, but a spokesperson said the vast majority of products in-store and online remain available for customers.
“Coles is in ongoing contact with suppliers, government stakeholders and transport partners to determine how best to improve availability on popular products, such as long-life pantry staples and healthcare items,” the spokesperson said.
“We have increased deliveries from our distribution centres and our teams are working hard to fill the shelves as quickly as possible.”
Kimberly-Clark Australia yesterday stated its Millicent Mill production line was working 24/7 to address the increased, short-term demand.
A company spokesperson said the manufacturer was also working closely with its customers to replenish supermarket shelves faster.
Among those not buying in to the panic is Mount Gambier resident Jill Herde, who labelled the behaviour “ridiculous”.
“In my situation I just think it is a bit over the top,” Ms Herde said.
“Some people may have a reason for it, but for the most part I believe it is unnecessary.”
Carrying out her regular grocery shop at Mount Gambier Marketplace yesterday, Ms Herde was surprised to find little or no products in some sections.
“We are going overseas soon and I wanted to buy some small bottles of hand sanitiser but was surprised to find they were out,” she said.
“My regular small carton of milk was also gone.”
Despite the slight inconvenience, Ms Herde said she would not lose sleep over the outbreak and believed the reaction had some people going overboard.
“I was listening to the radio the other day which had a general practitioner on there saying the panic is worse than the pandemic,” she said.
“I just hope that is true.”
