Market run

{{Short description|Purchasing spree caused by an anticipated shortage}}

A market run or run on the market occurs when consumers increase purchasing of a particular product because they fear a shortage. As a market run progresses, it generates its own momentum: as more people demand the item, the supply line becomes unable to keep up. This causes a local shortage, which in turn encourages further hoarding.

Examples include a run on the gasoline market following hurricane Katrina in 2005, an ammunition shortage following President Obama's election in 2008,{{cite web|url=http://timesonline.typepad.com/uselections/2008/11/gun-sales-soar.html |title=US Elections - Times Online - WBLG: Gun sales soar following Obama election |accessdate=2010-01-20 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205222547/http://timesonline.typepad.com/uselections/2008/11/gun-sales-soar.html |archivedate=2009-12-05 }} and a run on toilet paper following a Johnny Carson joke on The Tonight Show in 1973.{{Cite web| title = Did Johnny Carson Cause a Toilet Paper Shortage in 1973?| work = Snopes| access-date = 13 March 2020| url = https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/johnny-carson-tp-shortage/|quote="A long-circulating rumor holds that the late-night host inadvertently caused a consumer run on bathroom tissue." |first=Dan |last=Evon |date=16 December 2014}}{{Cite web| title = The Great Toilet Paper Scare of 1973| work = Priceonomics| access-date = 13 March 2020| url = http://priceonomics.com/the-great-toilet-paper-scare-of-1973/ |date=9 July 2014 |first=Zachary |last=Crockett}}{{Cite news| title = Facing shortages, Venezuela takes over toilet paper factory |work=CNN |first1=Marilia |last1=Brochetto |first2=Greg |last2=Botelho| access-date = 13 March 2020 |date=12 September 2013| url = https://www.cnn.com/2013/09/21/world/americas/venezuela-toilet-paper/}}