Aussies Top Up Pantries Amid Middle East Conflict

0:00It's April 12th, Sydney News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. Some Australians are quietly topping up their pantries with basics, like canned beans, tomatoes, and packaged fruit amid worries over the Middle East, conflict. Sales of these non-perishables jump 12-20% in recent weeks at major retailers, but companies like SPC Global say it's no big deal, and won't hit their bottom line. Food makers have extra stock lined up for the next 12-18 months to keep shelves full. Chain bosses at places like Richie's IGA notice a small bump in toilet paper and long life goods too, around 15-20% though. Nothing like the COVID rush. People are just grabbing one or two extra items per shop, not clearing aisles. Economists call it rational for folks, but not great for everyone, and they point to trust in government as key to keeping things chill. The feds launched a $20 million push to cut driving, hop on public transport, and say fuel. Prime Minister Anthony Albinese's short address urged calm over Easter, and critics aside,

1:03it worked. Fuel hoarding eased, excise cuts dropped petrol. Prices and shortages faded. Now grocery spending is picking back up as holiday vibes take over, with no signs of widespread stockpiling in the data. Tensions linger, but Aussie seems steady for now.