Sales of torches, radios and power banks have risen sharply after the government called on people to stock up on essential goods, according to figures obtained by Newsnight.
The figures indicate large increases in purchases across the three types of products. Torches, radios and power banks can provide lighting, access to information and portable charging, although the supplied material does not specify the circumstances behind the government’s advice.
No further details are provided about when the sales increases occurred, the scale of the rises, the areas affected or the government department that issued the call. The available information also does not include a response from ministers, retailers or members of the public.
The latest figures suggest that the government’s message has been followed by increased demand for these essential items. Further information would be needed to establish whether the rise is continuing and what prompted the advice to stock up.