Empty shelves where sunflower oil is usually found at a supermarket in Paris
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Shoppers raced to stockpile essential food in March amid fears Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could spark war across Europe.
According to research by Barclaycard, more than a third of consumers stocked up on items such as dried pasta, loo paper and paracetamol–similar to what was seen during the height of the pandemic.
Approximately 35 per cent of those asked admitted to buying more tinned and dried goods as well as cleaning products.
Separate figures also supported the increase in purchasing with overall spending up 17.7 per cent in March compared with the same month in 2019.
While many rushed to the supermarket to buy goods, some supermarkets have since rationed items such as sunflower oil due to the invasion of Ukraine, a country which is a major exporter of grains and cooking oils.
José Carvalho, of Barclaycard, said: “Many sectors saw strong growth in March compared to the same period in 2019, as sunnier weather encouraged Britons to socialise at pubs and bars, book staycations and update their wardrobes for spring and summer.
“However, rising fuel prices and household bills are clearly starting to influence consumer behaviour, with many changing their travel and shopping habits to save money.”
According to the United Nations, global food prices rose to all-time highs for cereals, meats and cooking oils last month.
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation’s monthly food price index showed that cereal prices had risen by 17 per cent, wheat 19.7 per cent and maize 19.1 per cent in March due to the disruption to the supply chain.
Although western sources have not verified the attack, armed forces minister James Heappey told Sky News: "All options are on the table for what that response could be.”
Liz Truss added: “Reports that Russian forces may have used chemical agents in an attack on the people of Mariupol. We are working urgently with partners to verify details.
“Any use of such weapons would be a callous escalation in this conflict and we will hold Putin and his regime to account.”
