Information is circulating on social media and messaging platforms claiming that Azerbaijan could face a cyberattack targeting supermarkets, potentially forcing stores to temporarily suspend operations. Residents are allegedly being advised to stock up on at least three days’ worth of food in advance.
Faktyoxla team investigated what is known about this alleged threat, whether Azerbaijani authorities have issued an official warning, and where the recommendation to maintain a three-day supply originated.
What does the circulating claim say?
The information being shared contains two main claims:
- A cyberattack targeting supermarkets is expected in Azerbaijan.
- Due to possible disruptions to store operations, residents should urgently purchase enough food to last three days.
To verify the claim, it is necessary to establish whether Azerbaijani government agencies have issued any relevant warnings and whether any incidents have occurred that could substantiate such a scenario.
On November 2, 2026, cyber incidents affecting supermarket refrigeration systems were reported in several European countries.
According to Reuters and the Associated Press, problems affected stores in Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg and Estonia. Incidents were also reported in Finland and the Netherlands.
In some stores, the temperature inside refrigerators and freezers rose sharply. As a result, retailers were forced to remove temperature-sensitive products from sale and, in certain cases, temporarily restrict store operations.
These incidents followed a similar attack in France in October, when interference with refrigeration systems resulted in food spoilage and significant financial losses.
However, it is important to consider the geographical scope of these incidents: the confirmed reports concern European countries. They do not establish that a similar attack is being planned in Azerbaijan.
What do official sources in Azerbaijan say?
Our monitoring found no official statements from the relevant Azerbaijani government authorities regarding this matter. In particular, we found no reports of cyberattacks targeting supermarkets, threats of store closures, or recommendations urging residents to urgently stock up on food.
The recommendation to maintain a 72-hour supply of food and water at home does indeed exist. Specifically, the official website of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Emergency Situations provides guidance on preparing an emergency supply kit, which should include drinking water and non-perishable food sufficient for at least three days.
However, this recommendation is part of general emergency preparedness guidance and is not linked to any specific warning about supermarket closures.
It is worth noting that this recommendation from the Ministry of Emergency Situations was published approximately six years ago and does not constitute a new warning.
Watch the Ministry's video guidance
In March 2025, the European Commission also presented the European Union's Preparedness Union Strategy. The document aims to strengthen public preparedness for various emergencies, including natural disasters, supply disruptions, pandemics, military threats and cyber incidents.
One of its practical recommendations is that citizens should be able to meet their essential needs independently for at least 72 hours.
Thus, maintaining a three-day supply is a general civil preparedness measure, not evidence that supermarkets in Azerbaijan are about to stop operating.
The claim that Azerbaijan is expected to face a cyberattack targeting supermarkets, making it necessary for residents to urgently stock up on food, has not been confirmed by official sources.
However:
- Cyberattacks affecting supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe have indeed occurred.
- The recommendation to maintain a three-day supply of food and water does exist, but it is general in nature.
- There is no confirmed information indicating that supermarkets in Azerbaijan are preparing for widespread closures due to a cyberattack.
Being reasonably prepared for emergencies is sensible. However, unverified claims about the imminent shutdown of supermarkets should not be circulated as established facts.
