In tense times, some city homes start stocking up on essentials
Times of India | 10 May 2025
123 Kolkata: Amid escalating border tensions and growing fears of a potential hike in the prices of food grains and other essential commodities, a section of residents started panic buying in Kolkata.From local grocery shops to popular online retail platforms, a surge in consumer demand—particularly for rice, pulses, cooking oil, and packaged food—was reported over the past two days."We witnessed similar behaviour in the early days of the Covid outbreak," said Shankar Prasad, who runs a stationery-cum-grocery store in Behala. "Some people are sweeping up 10–20 kg sacks of rice and atta and buying oil in bulk. I had to turn away customers because I was completely out of stock by the afternoon."Online retailers also confirmed the sudden surge, noting that delivery delays and product unavailability have started cropping up in some cases, especially for essentials. A store manager of a major retail chain in Lake Town said their order volumes soared since the start of the week. "Items like rice, pulses, and dairy are vanishing from shelves. Our staff is working overtime to replenish stocks and fulfil orders on time," he said.The sudden rush is being driven by fears of disrupted supply chains and looming price hikes—concerns that prompted even Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to issue a stern warning against hoarding. On Thursday, she cautioned traders and suppliers not to engage in black-marketing or smuggling of daily necessities, threatening legal action and property seizures for offenders. "No one should hoard or indulge in black-marketing. The govt will confiscate assets of those found guilty," Banerjee declared at a press conference in Nabanna.Several residents said that warnings from older family members, who remember previous wartime price shocks, pushed them to act. "My uncle lived through the 1971 war and recalls prices skyrocketing four or five times. I didn't want to take a chance. I've stocked up on food and medicines," said Subhasree Basu of Jadavpur.For 68-year-old Soumen Banerjee from Behala, the current news coverage evoked memories of his childhood during wartime. "The images of bombing and blackouts took me back decades. I usually don't buy monthly groceries anymore, thanks to apps, but this week I tried to order in bulk. The app limited me to four litres of mustard oil. So, on Friday morning, I went out and stocked up enough food essentials to last two months," he said.Retailers admit that fear, not actual shortage, is driving the buying spree. "Several of my regular customers are calling to ask if I have enough stock for bulk purchases," said Devang Gadia, a grocery shop owner in Bhowanipore. "I try to assure them that the situation is confined to the border and there's no immediate threat to city supplies, but they're too anxious to listen."