Colruyt limits the sale of flour and oil, Lidl canned vegetables and toilet paper

In concrete terms, you are asked to bring a maximum of two pieces of oil and two pieces of flour per customer or receipt. This only applies to the Colruyt stores of the group. They are known for volume purchases. The measure does not apply to the other brands of the group (Spar, OKay or Bio-Planet).

According to the supermarket group, there are no shortages and there is enough supply for normal consumption. “But consumption has not been normal in recent days,” explains a spokeswoman. “It is a preventive measure. To allow the shelves to be replenished and to offer all customers the opportunity to make a purchase.”

Posters have been hung on the racks of flour and oil to inform the customer about the measure. The limited sale of oil does not only apply to sunflower oil, but to other types of oils that are used as an alternative to sunflower oil, such as olive or salad oil.

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Ukraine and Russia are among the largest producers of wheat and sunflower oil worldwide. Because of the war there is a fear of supply problems and shortages, resulting in large price increases.

Canned food and toilet paper

Lidl is following Colruyt’s example and is limiting the sale of oil, canned vegetables and toilet paper. Two packs per customer applies for oil and vegetable preserves, three packs for toilet paper. “We are launching a constructive appeal to show solidarity and ensure that there is enough for everyone and therefore only buy what is necessary. There are no shortages, but we want to temper sales. We notice that the coverage of the war is driving demand up, and we want to avoid a situation like two years ago,” said a Lidl spokeswoman. In the first weeks of the corona crisis in 2020, hoarding behavior resulted in massive empty shelves in stores.

A small survey of other supermarkets shows that most are not limiting sales for the time being. Delhaize notices more demand for flour and oil, but does not impose any restrictions. The supermarket calls on customers not to buy more than is necessary. “There is sufficient choice and volume. We call on common sense to be used,” a spokesperson said. Carrefour does not impose any limits either. “There is no supply problem. We have sufficient stock”. Idem at Aldi: “For the time being, we are not going to limit sales. We do notice a greater demand for sunflower oil, flour and pasta. But we don’t have any stock problems.”

Ukraine and Russia are among the largest producers of wheat and sunflower oil worldwide. Because of the war there is a fear of supply problems and shortages, resulting in large price increases.

ALSO READ. War will impact our shopping cart: “But please don’t start hoarding”

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