Covid-19 scare in Goa: Fearing lockdown, citizens panic-buy groceries, utilities

PANAJI: The fear of lockdown due to coronavirus has turned on the panic mode for several citizens as they engaged in bulk buying on Sunday. Supermarkets and grocery stores in the state capital are left with nearly empty shelves with shoppers stocking up basic commodities and utilities.
While masks and hand sanitisers are among the items that have been in short supply, items like paper towels, wheat flour, pulses and packaged food that were well stocked are being reordered by stores to cater to the sudden surge in demand. The shift in consumer pattern comes a day after the state government ordered a closure on schools and other public spaces.
"We've been hearing about the lockdown in other countries and people confined to their homes in some parts of India. When the Goa government announced that schools and public spaces will be closed, we were worried that there could be a lockdown here as well," an elderly couple shopping for groceries said.
Store managers said that usually on the day of the Shigmo parade, people avoid coming into the city. However, they were surprised to see a huge rush of people purchasing groceries on Saturday while the parade was on.
"We normally carry out a sale of Rs 4.5 to 5 lakh a day. However, after people started buying groceries in a rush, we have done a sale of Rs 6.3 lakh in a day," said Nitin Parsekar, manager at Goa Sahakar Bhandar.
The Bhandar's outlets order groceries twice a month-on the first of every month and the next fortnight. Stock is expected to arrive on Monday but they have asked for additional supply in view of high public demand.
"Dal, rice and oils are on high purchase. People are also asking for sanitisers but stock is awaited," Parsekar said.
At the Magsons outlets, buyers were stocking up on personal care items like soap, paper towels, wet wipes besides groceries like flour, milk and regular staples.
"People are buying more than they usually would. We are telling them that if they're not comfortable visiting the store, we can deliver the groceries to their home," said Magsons founder and CEO, Kirit Maganlal.
None of the grocery owners have so far set limits on the quantity purchase. "Setting limits would further fuel panic. We're trying to tell the customers that there is no need to panic and that more supplies will be available. If people start buying more than they require, it prevents those who really need them from getting it," another grocery owner said.