One unfortunate consequence of the countrywide lockdown over the last six weeks has been the complete paralysis of retail supply chains.
The confusion stemming from differing state-level interpretations of rules regarding transportation coupled with the baffling distinction created between essential and nonessential goods by the central government has resulted in a complete breakdown of deliveries.
The result has been massive losses for the sector and crippling shortages for consumers. In retrospect, it should have been evident to planners that retail, as the nerve centre of an economy in distress, needed to be treated with care.