Many shoppers have noticed that since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine, the shelves of Latvian grocery stores have become significantly emptier – in many places, buckwheat, pasta, salt, and other food products have been bought up, as residents, perhaps frightened by the war, have begun stockpiling food. Therefore, "Rīgas Apriņķa Avīze" asked Latvia's Minister of Agriculture Kaspars Gerhards to provide clarity on the matter, asking, among other things, if there is any reason to worry about potential food shortages. During the conversation, the Minister repeatedly emphasised: "Even if, for example, the electricity is cut off or something similar, and we are sitting at home, not working, and not going anywhere, we have food reserves for more than two months."