Fears of a coronavirus crisis in Australia has provoked some people into attempting to sell toilet paper at exorbitant prices, in anticipation of the mass panic-buying of supplies from supermarkets.
According to a recent report by News 7, Facebook Marketplace shows a number of seemingly-ordinary rolls of toilet paper and other kinds of paper towels listed at exorbitant fees, often accompanied by tongue-in-cheek captions.
A Chinese doctor was recently spotted crying from the stress of trying to treat so many coronavirus patients:For example, one such item was listed as selling for approximately $160,000, with the item description stating: "Good condition, up To 18 rolls. Will Deliver locally (if needed). Good quality, slightly used. Very desired brand and quality. First to see will buy [sic]"
According to a report by the Syndey Morning Herald, an analysis of local supermarket chains showed that toilet paper was one of the most in-demand items at Sydney stores, along with packaged snacks, canned goods, pasta and rice.
According to News 7, a branch of the retailer ALDI in Sydney was forced to enforce limitations on the sale of important goods. A sign was posted outside the store which allegedly read: "Toilet paper will be limited to 1 UNIT of any TYPE per customer. [sic]."
The sign continued: "So only 1 toilet paper per sale any customers coming in again that is recognized to have already purchased within 24hours will be refused as everyone deserves some toilet paper not only a few. [sic]."
Commenting on this issue, head of the Australian Retailers Association Russell Zimmerman claimed there was: "absolutely no need to panic or engage in ... emergency stockpiling. We’re comfortable there’s no risk to the availability of food or household essentials; with major retailers maintaining high inventories, if a brand you wish to purchase isn’t available today, it’ll probably be back on the shelf tomorrow [sic]."