Concerns about a possible shortage of toilet paper have come to Russia from other countries. For example, one of the first waves was recorded in Hong Kong. After the introduction of quarantine in China, rumors spread among Hong Kongers that one of the largest suppliers, the Chinese Wellcome factory, would stop production of both this product and instant noodles due to the epidemic. Hong Kong residents decided that such news in the near future threatens a shortage, and literally swept all the toilet paper and noodles from the store shelves. Because of the same rumor, a stir arose in Australia, where China is the main supplier of toilet paper.

Impulsive purchases were not a sign of people's selfishness, but an expression of concern for family and friends in difficult times. Faced with rising deaths and not knowing what would happen next, people everywhere were doing their best to prepare for the worst. For some, this meant buying the most basic necessities — non-perishable food and water, medicines, disinfectants and hygiene products.

Although the purchase of pasta and alcohol napkins made some sense, such an interest in toilet paper was unexpected — some manufacturers noted a 700% increase in sales. However, this is not the first time-in the fall of 1973, when the US oil crisis came, residents also began to stock up on toilet paper. It started when the newspapers started writing about the paper shortage in Japan.

Now the "toilet" crisis is over — people buy less paper, and manufacturers can cope with the load. However, in the future, a second wave of coronavirus or some unforeseen events may occur in the fall, and you should be prepared for this.