Mexican supermarkets urge consumers not to make panic buying

Special Report: World Tackles Swine Flu

A customer walks in front of an empty
shelf at a supermarket in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on April 29,
2009. Mexico's supermarkets on Tuesday urged consumers not to engage in
panic buying in response to the swine flu that has killed over 150 in the
country. (Xinhua/David de la paz)
Photo
Gallery

MEXICO CITY, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's
supermarkets on Tuesday urged consumers not to engage in panic buying in
response to the swine flu that has killed over 150 in the country.

The National Association of
Self-Service and Department Stores, which represents the largest supermarkets in
Mexico, issued a statement after citizens began bulk buying in supermarkets due
to a circulating email warning that stores and gas stations may soon close.

Customers wait to pay for their
shopping at a supermarket in Mexico City, capital of Mexico, on April 29,
2009. Mexico's supermarkets on Tuesday urged consumers not to engage in
panic buying in response to the swine flu that has killed over 150 in the
country. (Xinhua/David de la paz)
Photo
Gallery

The supermarkets would continue operating during
normal working hours, unless the government orders the contrary, said the
17,000-member association.

Financial analysts warned that panic purchases could
trigger inflationary pressure.

Mexico City, the worst hit region, on Tuesday ordered
the closure of bars, theaters, cinemas and dancehalls. It said that restaurants
could only serve take-away food.

The federal government on Monday ordered all
educational institutions from nurseries to universities be closed until May 6.It
means that over 30 million of Mexico's 107 million citizens are at home.