Bulk buying due to strike at US ports is creating problems with supermarket supplies.
The strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports continues for a third day.
This has caused panic among consumers about food shortages, CNBC reports.
Shoppers flocked to stores to stock up on toilet paper and other goods.
As a result, supermarket shelves remain empty.
The National Grocers Association is urging the public not to panic.
There are more than 21,000 independent grocery stores in the United States that are willing to provide alternative supply chains.
While some fresh produce may still be temporarily unavailable, it will be quickly replenished once the strike ends.
The Commerce Department said the shutdown at ports would not have a significant impact on toilet paper supplies.
Nearly 90 percent of this product in the United States is produced domestically.
Most imports come from Canada and Mexico by road and rail.
Author: Elena Gutyro
