PM Modi's Lockdown Announcement Triggers Panic-Buying in India

Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown starting Tuesday midnight to prevent the spread of coronavirus, people across India went into a panic buying mode.(Image: News18)

Despite the Prime Minister tweeting that there will be no shortage of essential goods amid the lockdown, shops selling such products were flooded with people.(Image: News18)

(Image: News18)

Chemist shops too saw a rise in the numbers of customers and apart from medicines, Dettol and sanitisers were in high demand.(Image: News18)

People were also seen buying fruits and vegetables which were being sold at higher rates. (Image: News18)

For instance, a dozen of bananas were being sold for around Rs 70. The customers tried to bargain but to no avail. (Image: News18)

While announcing the nationwide lockdown in his address to the nation on Tuesday evening, Modi said that this was an essential step to fight coronavirus decisively. He added that saving the lives of people was a priority now. (Image: News18)

People on streets to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement.
(Image: News18)

People throng shopping complexes to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement. (Image: Special Arrangement)

People on streets to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement.
(Image: News18)

People on streets to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement.
(Image: News18)

People throng shopping complexes to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement. (Image: Special Arrangement)

People on streets to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement.
(Image: News18)

People throng shopping complexes to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement. (Image: Special Arrangement)

People on streets to buy essential commodities after PM Modi's lockdown announcement.
(Image: News18)