US EditionJapan Tries to Head Off Toilet Paper Panic Amid Iran War Fears
Japan's government and industry groups say 97% of toilet paper is domestically produced and urge rational purchasing amid fears linked to Middle East conflict.
- On Tuesday, Japan's government urged citizens to stop panic-buying toilet paper as social media posts fueled stockpiling fears linked to Middle East tensions, with shoppers reporting empty shelves at some stores.
- Hoarding toilet paper is a recurring phenomenon in Japan, originating during the 1973 oil shock and recurring after the 2011 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting deeper anxieties about stability.
- According to the Japan Household Paper Industry Association, approximately 97 per cent of toilet paper is produced locally using recycled materials, and production companies maintained "an appropriate level of running inventory."
- The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry issued a statement asking the public to "make calm and rational decisions" based on accurate information, while retail groups confirmed "no issues whatsoever disrupting production."
- Similar stockpiling patterns emerged previously in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by social media posts showing empty shelves; officials reiterate people should "rest assured" there is no actual supply shortage.
12 Articles
12 Articles
In the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of people began buying unchecked toilet paper.This curious habit is repeated again in Japan, in the face of fear of the war in Iran. And in Chile, there are long lines in the bencineras and even people who carry drums to hoard, after the historical announcement of the rise in fuel prices. The common denominator in these three cases is uncertainty, the feeling of not knowing what will happen in the future. Face…
ABC Australia
RNZJapan urges public not to panic-buy toilet paper amid Iran war
Japan's government releases a statement assuring people there is no issue with supply and no need to stock up, despite "reports and social media posts regarding the distribution of toilet paper".
Toilet paper crisis hits Japan, govt steps in to curb panic amid Iran war concerns
However, experts say there is no real reason to worry. About 97% of toilet paper in Japan is made inside the country, mostly using recycled paper.This means the supply is not affected by the situation in the Middle East, the Bloomberg report said.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
