Do Not Hoard Or Panic, But Here’s What Should Be In One’s Emergency Ration Kit At Home

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, it’s fuelling fears amongst citizens about the need to hoard essential items due to a shortage and a rise in the price of products. Dispelling these rumours, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prahlad Joshi urged people through his X handle (formerly Twitter) to not panic or hoard any essential items. While he laid rumours to rest, if you do still wish to have an emergency ration kit at home, here’s a small guide on what it should consist of.

Indian Govt. States There Is No Need To Hoard Essentials

Addressing the media, Prahlad Joshi shared a video of himself on X. He stated that there are rumours being spread in certain parts of the nation to hoard food items and other daily necessities. However, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs stressed that citizens shouldn’t give any value to such rumours. Moreover, he assured people that India has enough stock of everything needed across the nation. In fact, the stock of essentials, in his knowledge, is far larger than what’s needed. And there shouldn’t be any reason for anyone to rush to markets to stock up in any part of the country.

In certain parts of the country, rumors are spreading, causing people to rush to collect essential food items and other daily necessities.

I would like to categorically state that we have more than enough stock of everything required across the country. Our stock is many times… pic.twitter.com/SARTe1C6DV

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) May 8, 2025

Joshi, through his direct media interaction and posts on social media, has reassured Indians that there is neither a need to hoard nor a reason to panic. At this point in time, it’s important to stay calm, informed and prepared. Moreover, verifying information received online is important before believing them and spreading it amongst loved ones.

Also Read: Fact Check: No, ATMs Are Not Closed In India As Per A Viral WhatsApp Message 

What Your Emergency Ration Kit Should Consist Of

However, if you do wish to keep a small emergency ration kit at home that can last 2-4 weeks, then here’s what we suggest you stock it with.

• Non-perishable food like dry fruits, instant rice or noodles, canned goods, dry fruits and protein bars
• Clean drinking water that could amount to 3-4 litres per person
• First Aid Kit with bandages, basic medicines and antiseptics
• Sanitary products like toiletries, sanitary napkins, and diapers
• Power backup like torchlight, batteries, solar chargers and power banks
• Cooking essentials that include a portable stove, matchsticks, lighter
• Cash in small denominations
• A small amount of jewellery or gold
• Hard documents of key documents like passports, Aadhaar cards, land/property papers, insurance
• Digital backups of important documents
• Extra SIM card
• Emergency contact list: Write down important numbers in a journal
• A battery-powered radio for government alerts if the internet is down
• A ready backpack with essentials, if you need to evacuate
• A list of safe zones like hospitals, schools and community halls

Also Read:  Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata Airports Issue Travel Advisories; Urge People To Reach 3 Hrs Early

Most importantly, you need to stay calm and avoid hoarding items. As stated by Minister Prahlad Joshi, there is no need to panic. But it does help to stay vigilant.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro