Updated at 21:29 KST and 11:30: This article was updated to reflect the fact that the shortages had been spotted at additional shops and grocery stories, as well as to make mention of a response to NK News reporting from Twitter account Coldnoodlefan.

"Panic buying" sprees have been spotted taking place in some of Pyongyang's stores and groceries since Monday, multiple informed sources told NK News, resulting in increasingly empty shelves and a growing shortage of key staples.