Covid-19 fears: People emptying shelves in Tirupati

Tirupati: As fears are rising over the spread of coronavirus, consumers have gone on buying spree. Fearing that situation may deteriorate, people rush into panic buying.

Anticipating a situation in which the entire country or many parts may go into lockdown and people may not be allowed to go out and shops also may be shut, people are stocking up essential commodities to last at least for two months.

Customer at a famous market chain shop expressed that the situation is not under anyone's control. As of now, there seems to be no threat in Tirupati.But being a pilgrim destination, none can say how long it would remain so. If some pulses, oils, atta, sugar and rice, besides onions are stocked up, things can be managed to some extent. Though it is burdensome to buy in large quantities at a time, it became inevitable. With such a trend prevailing now, the shops have been witnessing huge rush.

The President of Sri Balaji food Grains Merchants Association S Ayyappa told The Hans India that as of now absolutely there is no worry on the supply side. But the Dall mills in Maharashtra were closed as the Covid-19 led to a grave situation there. Traders in this region get their supplies mostly from there and they are not in a position to execute any fresh indents but only executing the past orders. If the same situation continues real problem may start in the next two to three weeks.

"It is learnt that, a decision on the closure of oil ports may be taken on Monday. Similarly, managements of sugar factories are going to meet on Sunday to chalk out strategy. If they all down their shutters, supplies will be affected", he observed.

Another trader said, they have been witnessing surge in trade of various commodities. Normally, during the last part of the month the markets will be dull. But, this time around, they have been getting the business which they get during the first week of any month. "Certainly, people have been buying in increased quantities in anticipation of more severity in the coming days", he averred.

Amidst the news that hotels may be closed for 15 days or so, people have no option but to cook food at home. This might be another reason for the increasing volumes of trade during the past one week, said another merchant.

A housewife, Gayatri, has citied the examples of face masks and hand sanitisers which have become scarce commodities now. "What will be the situation if traders create artificial shortage of essential goods? What to eat then", she questioned. But a private employee Krishna who was buying one or two normal goods only said that he is not worried on the future. Even if such a situation arises, there will be a way out.