The grocery staple disappearing act has struck again, with consumers across the nation now struggling to pick up a box of tissues at their local supermarket.

Essential items such as toilet paper, rice and pasta disappeared at the start of the pandemic, as many Aussies were swept up in a mass wave of panic buying when lockdowns were first announced.

As a result, major supermarkets announced customer purchase limits on a variety of items.

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Now, with flu cases skyrocketing nation-wide and COVID lingering, the demand for tissues and other medicinal products such as throat lozenges and flu tablets is climbing.

This increased demand is once again putting pressure on supply chains, drying up the supply of tissues, and leaving many shoppers frustrated.

Woolworths has asked customers to explore alternative options while the supply struggle continues.

“While customers might notice that the availability of some of their preferred brands might be limited, we continue to offer a wide range of alternatives across these ranges,” a spokesperson said.

“We’ll continue to work closely with our suppliers.”

Coles also asked customers to be “flexible” when shopping, but assured shoppers it had more than enough supply to get through winter.

“Customers may notice that some stores might not have their usual brands of facial tissues in stock at the moment,” a spokesperson said.

“We want to assure customers that there will be enough stock to get them through this flu season, and encourage them to be flexible if the products they would usually purchase are not available.”

By Digital S. / Conflict and War

By Finbar O. / Public Health

By Digital S. / Conflict and War

By Finbar O. / Public Health