TOILET roll and other essentials are NOT in short supply – but some supermarkets have been forced to ration essential items.
Shoppers have been buying up more than they need to as coronavirus cases grow – despite there being plenty to go round – so Tesco and Morrisons have put limits on how much you can purchase.
Supermarkets have urged customers not to panic buy and reassured shoppers there is plenty of stock.
The limits ensure everyone can access the products they need, when they need them, including the vulnerable and elderly, and even shoppers have urged the supermarkets to put limits on products.
We explain here what each supermarket is doing.
Morrisons rules
On Thursday, Morrisons was the first supermarket to introduce rationing again.
What are the limits?
Three per person on a small number of key products, including toilet roll and disinfectant.
What does Morrisons say?
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “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.”
What else is Morrisons doing?
Marshals are back on doors at the front of stores to make sure there are not too many people inside at once.
This is to help tackle the spread of the virus which is on the rise again.
Tesco rules
Tesco has now introduced some rationing too, with customers prevented from buying some items in bulk.
What are the limits?
There’s a limit of three per person in store on five items:
- flour
- dried past
- toilet roll
- baby wipes
- anti-bacterial wipes
There will be further limits added to some items online, such as rice and canned veg.
There some existing online restrictions which have been in place for some time, including on:
- face coverings
- eggs
- flour
- anti-bacterial products
What does Tesco say?
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We have good availability, with plenty of stock to go round, and we would encourage our customers to shop as normal.
“To ensure that everyone can keep buying what they need, we have introduced bulk-buy limits on a small number of products.
The boss of Tesco Dave Lewis also urged customers not to panic buy because it was unnecessary.
What else is Tesco doing?
There will be Tesco staff at the door reminding customers that they must wear a mask unless they are exempt, and they will be on sale at the door for those who have forgotten them.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “To help our customers shop safely, we will also have colleagues at the entrances of our larger stores to remind customers about the safety measures we have in place, including the legal requirement to wear a face covering.”
