Stocking up on provisions a natural precaution

THE FREEZING CONDITIONS that have gripped most parts of China over the weekend, have prompted many residents to hoard daily necessities including vegetables and cooking oil. Gmw.cn says it is sensible for residents to prepare for the worst:

As the temperature approaches record lows in some southern provinces where it rarely snows, and the National Meteorological Center has issued several yellow alerts for the cold weather, blizzards and gales, it is understandable that some residents have chosen to stock up on food and other necessities.

This is not selfish or mindless hoarding as some have suggested but a natural result of worries that the cold weather might lead to the prices of many foods rising. Those stocking up on provisions are only hoping to save money and ensure they have enough food, which deserves no demonization.