Panic buying frenzy begins in Melbourne supermarkets after snap lockdown announced

Victorians have been urged to refrain from 'panic buying' as lockdown restrictions come into effect from midnight tonight.

However, some shoppers wasted no time stripping essential items from supermarket shelves, including toilet paper.

Vision shared online captured bare shelves at a Melbourne Woolworths as dozens rushed to the store to snap up supplies.

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Premier Daniel Andrews today pleaded for Victorians to use "common sense" and reiterated supermarkets would not close.

"You are allowed to go and shop," he said.

"Supplies are adequate. There is no need to be doing any of that.

"Let's not make their job harder by hoarding six months' worth of toilet paper."

Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have reinstated product limits in Victoria both in-store and online as a "precaution" to prevent panic buying.

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The limits include grocery items in high-demand including toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, pasta, meat and other staple supplies.

"We encourage Victorian to be mindful of others in the community and to continue shopping as they usually would," Woolworths Victoria Assistant State Manager, John Di Tirro said.