Territorians will only be allowed to buy two bags of flour, two packets of rice and two bottles of fresh milk from Coles supermarkets under new purchase limits introduced today.
Facial tissues and paper towels have also been limited to two packs per person, while shoppers can buy no more than four cartons of long-life milk.
In a statement, a Coles spokesperson said the temporary purchase limits were introduced in the Northern Territory ahead of expected delays to stock deliveries caused by major flooding of road and rail routes in South Australia.
"This is going to be a challenging time for our customers and team members as we anticipate delays to transport deliveries, which will temporarily impact the availability of products in our stores," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Coles would continue to review its stock levels and would work to get products back on shelves as soon as possible.
COVID-related supply chain issues — due to the Omicron COVID-19 outbreak forcing a high number of workers into isolation — had already been tipped to impact supermarket shelves in the Territory.
In response, the Northern Territory government introduced rules allowing essential workers identified as close contacts to continue working in certain circumstances.
Earlier this month, the supermarket giant introduced a series of nationwide purchase limits to combat COVID-related staff and product shortages.
These include:
- one-pack limits on toilet paper and rapid antigen test kits
- two-pack limits for painkillers, mince, sausages, chicken breasts, and chicken thighs from the meat section
- six-item limits apply to chicken breasts and thighs from the deli section (excluding Tasmania).
Woolworths expecting deliveries today
Supermarket chain Woolworths has also struggled to fill supermarket shelves in the Territory after heavy rainfall in South Australia.
Australia-wide, Woolworths shoppers can only buy two packets of toilet paper, two packets of painkillers and one rapid antigen test kit.
In a statement, a Woolworths spokesperson said the retailer had re-routed deliveries by road, and they were initially expected to arrive at Northern Territory stores over the next 24 hours.
However, flooding-related road closures in Queensland are now impacting those delivery routes.
"Our teams are working hard to deliver stock to our NT stores as quickly as possible, and assessing alternate delivery routes," the spokesperson said.
"Unfortunately, our local customers will continue to regrettably see reduced product availability in our stores.
"We know this is frustrating and thank everyone for their patience and understanding."
The next run of deliveries from Adelaide is scheduled to enter the Territory via Mt Isa in Queensland, as the Stuart Highway remains closed in some sections.
Work to repair washed-out rail tracks that connect South Australia to Darwin and Perth could take weeks, leaving freight to be shifted by trucks.
Coles customers urged to be 'respectful'
Coles' regional manager for the Northern Territory and South Australia, Daniel Clegg, urged customers to remain "respectful" to staff during the shortages.
"The product limits are there to protect everyone and also give everyone a fair go," Mr Clegg said.
"Please stick to the limits and buy only what you need … we just ask all of our customers to be patient, be respectful and just be kind to each other."
When asked if there had been any abuse directed at staff, he said it was "only natural" that "emotions run high" during the shortages but didn't cite any specific incidents.
Mr Clegg described the floods and ongoing pandemic as a "double whammy" on the food supply chain and said meat shortages will impact the Territory until at least next week.
Health Minister confident of supply
Speaking at a COVID-19 press conference on Thursday, Health Minister Natasha Fyles said she understood there were "plenty of supplies at remote stores".
"They're used to this type of disruption and can carry supplies through," she said.
"We've got some retailers experiencing disruptions because their supply chain has been impacted, other retailers because it is the wet season.
"So you might not be able to get the item you want, but there are still items available to ensure a food supply."
