In this case there really is an issue. We are mid pandemic with massive numbers of people getting sick daily (yes, I know it's mild and harmless, despite it hospitalising quite a few) and many of us trying to follow government advice re testing, but no tests have been available.
The government has already queered its pitch with the two main UK test producers by refusing to pay bills (Omega Diagnostics and NovaCYT - I think on unreasonable grounds, in both cases) and it seems didn't stockpile sufficient Chinese tests in case there might be a rush on them at some point in the future, when a new variant emerged - which was at least as predictable as panic buying.
I think I read that we are being bailed out by a loan from Wales. I imagine that's a bit embarrassing for HMG really.
The bog tolls - at an early point I went out and got more than I needed. I was abroad when it started but they were short in the shops, probably as a result of panic buying, but whatever the reason, I wasn't keen on not having any. Not many people like to own up to it but I think many did the same.
Petrol is less of a problem for me :-)
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