Is there a toilet paper shortage in 2024? Not from the port strike.

If toilet paper isn't on store shelves amid the recent port worker strike, panic buying from consumers may be to blame.

Pictures on social media and videos on TikTok are surfacing of long lines of customers at stores with carts full of grocery items. Shortages of bottled water, toilet paper and other items are already being reported.

Social media users are claiming that toilet paper is sold out at Costco stores from Arizona and Colorado to New Jersey, with one worker saying their stock was cleared one hour after opening, according to news station Fox 29 in Philadelphia.

In three out of four South Jersey stores — the Hainesport ShopRite, Target of Centerton Square and Wegmans of Centerton Square — plenty of products were available. Only Walmart of Lumberton seemed to only have a small selection.

While in the aisles at the stores, none of the shoppers appeared to be stocking up on toilet paper or other goods.

But some people in New Jersey and beyond have been sharing reports of empty shelves, presumably in relation to the International Longshoremen’s Association strike.

More:Hours after port strike, shoppers report mainstream hoarding

Lisa Lea said "everything was gone" when she went to the Sam's Club in Deptford on Tuesday.

After hearing about the strike, Lea was one of seemingly many who headed out to their local stores to grab some essentials. Bulk items such as paper towels and toilet paper, however, were cleared out, she said.

Bulk stores may be the target of panic buying, as consumers may think it's more likely for major wholesalers to have the products they need.

In South Jersey community Facebook groups, many social media users shared a similar message: Don't hoard or panic buy because it coulder make things harder on your friends and neighbors.

A toilet paper shortage shouldn't be a problem. The supply chain for toilet paper is strong because approximately 90% of it used in the U.S. comes from domestic factories and not from containers shipped from overseas, according to a report by an ABC affiliate news station in Chicago.

Experts said other items are more likely to be in short supply and higher in price. They include:

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to [email protected]. Subscribe to stay in the loop.

(This story was updated to add a photo gallery)