Availability of essential goods improves across offline, online platforms: Survey

The availability of essential goods has improved across offline and online channels, one week into the 21-day nation-wide lockdown ordered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a survey by LocalCircles in collaboration with the Department of Consumer Affairs. For the two-day period of March 30-31, the availability of essentials at offline stores improved to 62% from 60% in the previous two-day reporting period. Similarly, the availability of products on e-commerce platforms improved to 45% during the same period, compared to 41% on March 27-28.

The availability of essential goods on e-commerce platforms has improved from 39% in the first two days of the lockdown, while for offline stores the availability is up from 57% during the March 25-26 period.

“Based on feedback from industry, obtaining curfew passes for delivery personnel is still a challenge in many parts of the country. In addition, the availability of workforce is also a challenge now for warehousing and delivery personnel as migrant labour moves back to their hometowns,” LocalCircles said.