Bottled water and tinned food sales surge after UK government issues emergency stockpile advice
News Source
β’Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:49:17 GMT
π° What Happened
Sales of tinned food, bottled water, torches and wind-up radios have jumped in the UK. The rush began after the government launched its "Be Ready" campaign last week, which asks households to keep 72 hours of supplies.
Maplin said torch sales almost quadrupled, while power bank and radio sales doubled. One brand of wind-up radio sold out on Friday, and home security camera sales rose 130%.
Iceland said sales of tinned goods were up 40% over the weekend. Specialist survival shops reported being 10 to 15 times busier than usual. Supermarkets say their supplies are still healthy.
π The Backstory
Be Ready is the government's first big push to get the public ready for emergencies. It covers extreme weather, power cuts and cyber-attacks on services people depend on.
Britain has had a rough few years. Heatwaves have strained power and water, storms have cut electricity, and the fallout from the Iran war pushed up fuel and gas costs. Officials have also warned about attacks on computer systems.
Such advice is normal in other places. Japan, California and parts of Australia tell households to keep water, food, medicine and a radio for at least three days.
π― Why It Matters
A few days of water, food and a torch cost little and can keep a family safe if power or taps fail. Panic buying, by contrast, empties shelves for everyone else.
Sales of tinned food, bottled water, torches and wind-up radios have jumped in the UK. The rush began after the government launched its "Be Ready" campaign last week, which asks households to keep 72 hours of supplies.
Maplin said torch sales almost quadrupled, while power bank and radio sales doubled. One brand of wind-up radio sold out on Friday, and home security camera sales rose 130%.
Iceland said sales of tinned goods were up 40% over the weekend. Specialist survival shops reported being 10 to 15 times busier than usual. Supermarkets say their supplies are still healthy.
Be Ready is the government's first big push to get the public ready for emergencies. It covers extreme weather, power cuts and cyber-attacks on services people depend on.
Britain has had a rough few years. Heatwaves have strained power and water, storms have cut electricity, and the fallout from the Iran war pushed up fuel and gas costs. Officials have also warned about attacks on computer systems.
Such advice is normal in other places. Japan, California and parts of Australia tell households to keep water, food, medicine and a radio for at least three days.
A few days of water, food and a torch cost little and can keep a family safe if power or taps fail. Panic buying, by contrast, empties shelves for everyone else.