Even in Beijing... Emergency as hoarding spreads in China

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The hoarding of daily necessities in China has spread to the capital, Beijing. Although authorities have stepped in to control the situation, anxiety continues amid the spread of COVID-19.

According to local media on the 5th, the hoarding phenomenon that occurred in Jiangsu Province and Chongqing City has now appeared in Beijing as well.

Since the 3rd, citizens have been flocking to some large supermarkets in Beijing to buy major Chinese daily necessities such as rice, flour, and cooking oil. Local media reported, "Citizens filled their carts with daily necessities and lined up long at the supermarket checkout counters."

In addition to grains like rice and flour, vegetables such as napa cabbage, green onions, potatoes, and onions are also among the hoarded items. A representative from a large supermarket said, "We are restocking quickly, but the rate at which items are bought is much faster, leaving the shelves empty."

As the hoarding phenomenon spreads, the central and local governments have repeatedly emphasized that the supply of daily necessities is smooth. Following the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration's announcement on the 3rd that food reserves are at an all-time high, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs also stated the previous day that the total nationwide vegetable supply is sufficient.

China's hoarding phenomenon is due to the spread of local COVID-19 infections and rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. As of the previous day, China reported 68 new confirmed cases, with 20 out of 31 provinces affected, one more than the day before.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.