As the Coronavirus worsens, many Aussies race to the supermarkets and scramble to the usually quiet cleaning aisle to try and grab a few bags of toilet paper in order stock up in case the worst happens, with the onset of the new virus which started just a few months ago in China and which has now infected over 100,000 globally and killed just under 3500.
So why are so many people in Australia scrambling for toilet paper then? Especially, when the coronavirus has nothing to do with your bowels? Many people have differing views on this highly controversial topic. Whilst items such as pasta, canned food and other non-perishable goods are in big demand now as well now, toilet paper seems to be the one item that is stripping the shelves.
With the increase of cases in Australia, to know over 60 and 2 deaths as well, perhaps people have a reason to panic? China also imports 40% of Australia’s toilet paper, with the rest being made locally. Many experts think that people are panicking due to many factories and businesses in China, which have started to close down due to the virus. However, popular brands such as Kleenex, Sorbent and Quilton have all increased production. Quilton has tripled its production across their factories in QLD, NSW and WA. Queensland’s Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning has reassured people about plentiful stock, saying that “150 tonnes of toilet paper come off the production line each day”, and reassuring Queenslanders saying, “There are plenty of squares to spare”.
So, whilst it seems that the shelves are empty, there should be enough toilet paper for everyone to go around, why are people bulk buying then? Many experts think that the concept of herd behavior may be a big factor. If people see other people rushing to buy toilet paper, their friends and family as well, they’ll also want to get it, this couple with the fear or perhaps holding out with their families at home in the worst case scenario. Bulk buying is one way they can get a sense of control, knowing that they might have to stick it out with their families at home.
However, this still doesn’t answer the question of why toilet paper? Toilet paper should be the last thing on anyone’s survival list, compared to food and water. However, looking deeper into this issue, many experts think that the toilet paper frenzy has to do with a combination of factors, one of them is to do with people’s basic human natures, a sense of ‘control’. Toilet paper is used to tidy and clean up, maintaining hygiene as well. Many people in Western societies associate anything used but toilet paper unhygienic, with many Asian countries simply using water or a cloth to clean. Experts also think that it has got to do with the product itself, as toilet paper is non-perishable and will eventually be used, compared with canned foods, pasta, which eventually expire. All of this coupled with the FOMO Syndrome and fear, has led to the toilet paper buying frenzy, many say.
However, whilst supermarkets may have increased sales, many people are angry and frustrated at the situation. The sick, old and vulnerable people of our society can no longer access a once ordinary grocery. Many people are buying up to 5 or 6 bags of toilet paper, which combined with a monster crowd will empty your typical Coles or Woolies in under an hour.
So as the Coronavirus continues to worsen, it may be a good time to head out early in the morning to grab a pack or two of toilet paper, if your running low, as there probably won’t be much opportunity later on.
Bibliography
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/05/world/coronavirus-australia-toilet-paper-scli-intl/index.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/03/toilet-paper-is-trending-in-australia-heres-why
https://theconversation.com/why-are-people-stockpiling-toilet-paper-we-asked-four-experts-132975
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_coronavirus_outbreak#International_responses
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
Year 11 MHS Economics 2020 
The effect of herd behaviour and pack mentality can be absolutely overwhelming, as seen in this toilet paper fiasco. Amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 outbreak, we should really be focusing on being alert but not panicked so that everyone in society can get through it.
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Perhaps the relative scarcity of toilet paper will incline people to purchase a bidet. Will be interesting to see whether that happen. #bidengang #bidet2020
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It has really gotten out of hand hasn’t it? I guess that is what irrationaility does to consumers.
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