Mumbai: As lockdown fears loom, people rush to stock up on goods

Vehicles parked in Virar market as people shop

Fearing the implementation of the lockdown, locals in Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai and Virar thronged markets to stock up on their daily needs. On Monday, after the mini-lockdown was lifted, they rushed and were also seen queuing up outside shops to buy other commodities. Even in small shops people were seen trying to buy items to stock up for a month.

People were also seen shopping for Gudhi Padwa

Virar resident Jagruti Mehta said, "We are sure that the lockdown will be implemented in the coming 1-2 days. We fear leaving the house because police were hitting people and registering FIRs during the previous lockdown against those who went out. So it's better to stock up on some things at home. Vegetables won't spoil if they are wrapped up in papers and kept in the fridge."

Opera House resident Jignaben Shah said, "We have kids and so we will store some food and goods at home. Today I went to the market for this but seeing the crowds and fearing the infection, I returned home. People were carrying 4-5 bags full of vegetables, fruits, etc. Due to this the price also increased. Where 250 gm vegetables were priced at Rs 20-Rs 25, this amount increased to Rs 30-Rs 35 today."

The situation was the same in many places. Bhayandar resident Ruchita Shah said, "Earlier we would give the order to our local kirana shop and he delivered the goods home. But today he refused to give delivery. We have decided to eat only what we prepare at home. If we don't get vegetables we will eat beans."

A saree shop owner at the Bhaji Market at Bhayandar West said, "The market was very crowded today and there was no place to even walk. People are purchasing food as if they will not get any tomorrow."