Some Americans have been stocking up on toilet paper as port workers continue industrial action, according to posts on social media. Several videos and images have appeared online of empty shelves at grocery stores following the commencement of strike action by dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) across East and Gulf Coast ports on October 1.

Toilet paper shortages in stores across America are giving folks nightmarish reminders of the pandemic era. But the lack of toilet paper isn’t a direct result of a major port strike Tuesday. It’s because of panic buying.

You may have noticed empty shelves where you typically find toilet paper at your local store. While it seems that many are panic buying and stocking up on paper towels and toilet paper following news of the port workers’ strike,