Coronavirus LIVE Queensland updates: parliament pa...

Customers can also expect to see more hand sanitiser, cleaning products and disinfectants in store in the coming weeks after Woolworths doubled its supply.

However, pasta sauce may be scant for some while longer, with the retailer still struggling to keep stock on shelves, though it noted supply for pasta itself was “improving”.

Mr Banducci also took the opportunity to address shoppers’ concerns regarding higher prices in store, saying the supermarket had been forced to cut some specials amid the surge in demand.

“We had no choice but to withdraw our printed catalogues and reduce the number of specials. This was simply so we could prioritise getting essential products to stores without our supply chain having to cope with the extra volume of products needed for a full program of specials,” he said.

“We are incredibly sensitive to the financial pressures and uncertainty in Australia right now. Making sure everyone can ‘get their Woolies worth’ is a big priority for us, especially on everyday essentials.”

Customers had aired concerns over potential price gouging at supermarkets, especially in fresh fruit and vegetables which have shot up in price in recent weeks. However, Mr Banducci said this was due to “normal seasonal variations” and knock-on effects from the bushfires and the drought.

Online shopping availability is also slowly returning, with Woolworths reopening its pick up service and introducing more home delivery windows where possible, though Mr Banducci noted the supermarket would continue to prioritise vulnerable customers.

Woolies will also donate 20,000 Easter eggs and 20,000 Easter bunnies to healthcare workers in hospitals across the country.