By Ahmed Abdelsalam
British shoppers have engaged in "pandemic-style" panic buying, stockpiling toilet paper, tinned food, torches and other essentials after the government issued a "Be Ready" checklist urging households to prepare for emergencies.
The guidance, released on Friday, advises keeping a three-day supply of cash, bottled water and non-perishable food at home in case services are disrupted.
Sales Spike for Essentials
Retailers reported sharp increases in sales. Bamboo toilet paper brand Cheeky Panda saw a 43% rise compared to the same period last year, while Serious Tissues recorded a 36% increase over five days. Discount chain B&M noted a 19% jump in toilet paper sales alongside higher demand for power banks and torches. Online grocer Ocado listed several soup and bottled water brands as unavailable. Electronics retailer Maplin said radio sales jumped 92%, torches 284% and power banks 106% compared to the previous month.
Companies Warn Against Hoarding
Cheeky Panda co-founder Julie Chen acknowledged the value of having "a little extra" but warned against stockpiling months' worth, citing the risk of empty shelves. Serious Tissues also urged customers not to buy hundreds of rolls at once.
Government Checklist Details
The "Be Ready" kit includes bottled water (three litres per person per day), ready-to-eat tinned food with a tin opener, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, torch with spare batteries, blankets, warm clothing, portable power bank, battery or wind-up radio, first aid supplies, baby items, cash in mixed denominations, copies of IDs and important phone numbers.
Officials Urge Calm
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC Newsnight the public response was encouraging, saying practical steps help households prepare for disruptions such as flooding, power cuts or burst pipes, and contribute to national resilience.
