Coles introduces purchase limits in NT as delivery routes flooded

The major supermarket has reintroduced purchase limits for customers in the NT on toilet paper, milk, flour, rice and meats as stock deliveries remain disrupted.

Flooding caused by wild weather in South Australia has disrupted stock deliveries to the Northern Territory, forcing Coles to introduce purchase limits.

Territorians will only be allowed to buy two bags of flour, two packets of rice and two bottles of fresh milk from the major retailer as the purchase limits were introduced on Friday.

There is also a maximum of four long life milks, two facial tissues, two paper towels and one toilet paper packet per customer.

A Coles spokesperson said the flooding disrupted the road and rail routes to Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia.

Coles has introduced purchase limits across the NT. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“This is going to be a challenging time for our customers and team members, as we anticipate delays to transport deliveries, which will temporarily impact the availability of products in our stores,” they said.

“We have introduced temporary purchase limits to ensure fair access to essential products for all customers.

“We are continuing to review our stock levels and are working hard with our suppliers, transport partners and government to get products through the network as quickly as possible.” He urged residents to use their common sense and only purchase what they need.”

Flooding in South Australia has disrupted stock deliveries to the Top End. Picture: SA State Emergency Service (SA SES)

Woolworths also needed to re-route its deliveries from Adelaide into the NT via Mt Isa in Queensland, but roads in the North West region of the state are also impacted by flooding.

The supermarket giant is working closely with its suppliers to move as much stock through its supply chain that was already hit hard from poultry and meat product disruptions due to Covid-19 absenteeism.

“Our teams are working hard to deliver stock to our NT stores as quickly as possible, and assessing alternate delivery routes,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

“Unfortunately, our local customers will continue to regrettably see reduced product availability in our stores. We know this is frustrating and thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

The railway between SA and the NT along with the Stuart Highway (pictured) have been impacted by flooding since last Friday. Picture: Supplied

Flooding in SA’s far north has caused major infrastructural issues to roads and railways and has cut off the NT from the state, impacting the supply issue.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said the road and rail routes would be impacted for the “foreseeable future” and was waiting on a clearer time frame as to when they would be open from SA authorities.

He said truck routes are now coming from NSW via country Queensland to enter the Top End.

“We anticipate some supply should be re-established early next week and supermarket shelves should start to be replenished next week,” Mr Chalker said on Friday.

“There is ample supply for most critical goods … If that starts to diminish, (based on) what the supermarkets are advising us, we’ll take additional steps and continue to work with the commonwealth agencies involved.”

Residents were also encouraged to purchase goods from small businesses like butchers and grocers in the interim.

Toilet paper is one of the products Coles has put a purchase limit on. Picture: David Geraghty / NCA NewsWire

Coles purchase limits across NT

Hough Rapid Antigen Test Kit x 1

Toilet Paper x 1

Medicinal (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen/Aspirin) x 2

Chicken Breasts from Deli Dept x 6

Chicken Thighs from Deli Dept x 6

Chicken Breasts from Meat Dept x 2

Chicken Thighs from Meat Dept x 2

Mince x 2

Sausages x 2

Paper Towels x 2

Facial Tissues x 2

Flour x 2

Rice x 2

Long Life Milk x 4

Fresh Milk x 2