The government of Japan has urged citizens not to engage in panic buying of toilet paper amid social media claims that people are beginning to stockpile essential goods over fears linked to the Middle East conflict.

Stockpiling toilet paper previously became widespread in Japan during the 1973 oil shock, which led to the country’s first postwar economic contraction.

Similar behaviour was also seen during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thr Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a statement that consumers should make rational purchasing decisions about toilet paper, based on accurate and reliable information.

One X user posted, “The nearby drugstore was sold out of toilet paper! It seems like everyone’s stockpiling it.”

Other posts have also shown photos of supplies users claim to have stockpiled, ranging from cat food and toiletries to stacks of Suntory beer.

Meanwhile, Japan Household Paper Industry Association, stated that about 97 per cent of toilet paper is manufactured domestically using recycled paper and pulp, with no reliance on the Middle East.

The group said production has not been directly impacted and that there is enough capacity to ramp up output if required.