Toilet paper frenzy

WE HAVE just returned from shopping at a supermarket in one of the major shopping centres in Toowoomba. What a depressing experience.

Despite the excellent article by Michael Nolan “Panic buying toilet rolls won’t save you” (TC, 6/3), supermarket shelves remain empty of this essential item.

Discussions at the checkout with other disgruntled shoppers reveal a number of disturbing theories regarding the causes of the panic buying and the consequences.

The coronavirus is at the heart of the problem, as many believe that most of Australia’s toilet paper comes from China and therefore no more will be available.

This of course is completely untrue because this commodity is one of the very few which is primarily sourced locally. Our factories are working overtime to keep up with demand which continues unabated.

There is anecdotal evidence that some of the “hoarders” are taking advantage of the situation by offering to sell toilet paper online at exorbitant prices.

The supermarkets are attempting to limit the number of rolls which can be purchased, but people are so desperate that as soon as a delivery is made the shelves are cleared within minutes.

If this situation continues I can see no alternative than for the government to introduce rationing as it did during and immediately after World War II, with severe penalties for those operating a “black market”. Those of us who are old enough to remember ration books and coupons will welcome the stability such a move will bring.

In the meantime, what has happened to the Aussie tradition of “a fair go”? Far gone so far as I am concerned. REG RUBIE, Wilsonton