Locals in Edinburgh are racing to supermarkets as soon as they stock up, with supplies running low throughout the UK.
Supply chains have been hampered this summer by a number of factors, including Brexit, Covid-19 and a lorry driver crisis.
This had led to supermarkets shelves not having the same amount of stock as normal, and desperate punters have told Edinburgh Live that they are struggling to buy in essential items.
Numerous people reported having difficulties in buying items like dairy, butcher meat, frozen food, bottled water and juice.
Whilst others reported that Co-op and Aldi stores seem to be hit hardest and are struggling to keep their shelves full in the capital.
One woman said her local Co-op at Balgreen has seen some essentials running low.
But others are blaming customers for panic buying rather than the supply issues.
One woman said: “Aldi short of bread, pasta a few days ago. Not because it wasn’t stocked but because the loonies are panic buying.”
Industry bosses have now warned empty shelves could continue if the current staff crisis isn’t solved.
Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme,: “In the next two to three weeks we are facing a collapse of the supply chain meaning even bigger gaps on supermarket shelves.
“We already have hauliers unable to move goods on a daily basis and we’re now facing a perfect storm.”
