Warning to stockpile supplies triggers baked bean, water and battery shortage
Some British supermarkets have reported higher demand and temporary shortages of bottled water, tinned food and batteries after the Government urged households to prepare for emergencies. The rush follows new “Be Ready” guidance advising people to keep essential supplies at home for possible disruption from severe weather, cyberattacks or hostile state activity.
Ocado said several water brands and some soups were out of stock online, while Iceland reported a 40 per cent rise in sales of tinned products; Booths also saw year-on-year increases in tinned goods, water and batteries. The guidance recommends three days’ supplies, including at least nine litres of water per person, non-perishable food, cash, a radio and back-up chargers. Other retailers said supplies remained healthy or reported no meaningful change in sales.
In short
- Emergency guidance has prompted higher demand for some essentials.
- Iceland’s tinned product sales rose 40 per cent.
- The advice recommends three days of food and water.
Explained simply
The Government’s “Be Ready” guidance asks households to keep basic supplies at home in case an emergency disrupts everyday services. It covers events such as severe weather, cyberattacks or hostile activity by another state.
The advice includes enough food and water for three days, as well as items such as cash, a radio and back-up chargers. Supermarkets have reported mixed effects: some say demand for tinned food, water and batteries has risen, while others have seen little change.
Being prepared can help people manage if shops, power or communications are temporarily disrupted. The guidance is advice for households, rather than a prediction that a particular emergency is imminent.