Prioritizing Factors of Panic Buying Behaviour: A Neutrosophic Analytical Approach.

The article focuses on identifying and prioritizing factors that cause panic buying (PB) during crises, using the neutrosophic analytical hierarchy process (NAHP) to aid stakeholders in devising targeted interventions. Eighteen panic buying factors (PBFs) were identified through literature review and expert input, with the top nine—including social media, fear of missing out (FOMO), peer influence, social learning, product importance, cultural values, rumours, sense of security, and government regulations—ranked as most influential. The study presents a PB prevention and control framework based on these prioritized factors, offering practical strategies for policymakers, retailers, suppliers, and consumers to mitigate PB's negative economic and social impacts. The research emphasizes the importance of integrating psychological, social, and policy-related factors in understanding PB and suggests further application of NAHP in diverse contexts.