Taiwanese people rush to buy toilet paper

Taiwan NewsToilet paper prices are expected to rise as global prices rise, the paper reported yesterday. Production disruptions in Brazil and wildfires in Canada have caused global prices for short-fiber pulp used to make toilet paper to rise from $650 a ton to $800 this month, the paper said, citing Taiwan’s economic regulator.

Last weekend, companies in the industry also confirmed that prices could increase by up to 30% from mid-March. After the information, paper in stores and supermarkets quickly sold out. Those who could not go out to buy goods ordered online.Eye on Taiwansaid the figure was more than 5 million packs. More than half of the toilet paper sold on Yahoo Taiwan's shopping site today was reported to be out of stock.

Videos have also emerged on social media showing people stuffing stacks of toilet paper into supermarket trolleys. Some posted photos of empty shelves, with the caption: "For the first time in my life, I couldn't afford 2 packs of toilet paper."

Taiwan's Consumer Affairs Agency has sought to reassure consumers, saying four major retailers have pledged not to raise prices until mid-March, or to stockpile goods to sell at higher prices later, according toTaipei TimesThe Fair Trade Commission also confirmed that it would investigate whether major brands colluded to manipulate prices, warning that violations could result in fines of up to $3.4 million.