Taiwan’s Toilet Paper Tapestry: A Sudden Stock‑Bust and the Premier’s Calm
How a Panic Pipet Went From Conspiracy to Catastrophe
Picture this: a few short days, a whole island, and an empty stretch of aisle that used to line up green‑crowned rolls of toilet paper, kitchen tissue, and boxed tissues. Hypermarkets that normally have a surplus now look like a modern art installation: neat, bare, and oddly unsettling.
Retailers Let Loose the “Five Million Pack” Fiasco
Even the online giants knew the deal was a hot one. PChome, the nation’s premier e‑commerce platform, allegedly sold five million packs of toilet paper in just three days. That’s about one roll a minute for everyone.
Premier Lai’s Call for Calm in the #ToiletPaperChaos
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Premier William Lai tried to keep the pandemic‑post‑panic vibe to a minimum: “We ask the public not to panic and not to rush to buy. The supply is sufficient and everybody will have toilet papers to buy.”
Whispers of a Price Spike—No, it’s not a prank
The scramble began when manufacturers warned major hypermarkets of a potential 10 to 30‑percent price hike, slated to roll in from mid‑March. The supply chain was already feeling the heat from worldwide pulp price surges.
The Government’s Reality Check
Within the same day, the Fair Trade Commission stepped in, meeting with three big toilet‑paper suppliers and five top retailers to talk about that looming “price‑fixing” thunderstorm.
Public fury—and the classic “government’s eyes are elsewhere” case
A social media post on Apple Daily’s site went viral: “The government wouldn’t have paid attention if people were not snatching up toilet paper. The lousy government is only saying price‑fixing is illegal after the media reported it.” It gave the topic an extra layer of friction that’s as hot as the pulp itself.
Bottom Line: Stay Cool, Shelves Will Pop Up Again
In a world where a single panic episode can turn Walmart‑style giants into haystacks, the admin’s message remains clear: supply is ample, “not to panic,” and that this is all part of the cycle of a very, very “smooth” economy. If you’re ready to start building a bunker, at least remember this drama is ending—just like the smoke in every horror story.
