An Australian newspaper has printed extra blank pages to be cut out and used as toilet paper after coronavirus panic-buying sparked a shortage.

Darwin paper NT News's front page said: 'We've printed an eight-page special lift-out inside, complete with handy cut lines, for you to use in an emergency.'

There have been shortages of loo roll throughout the country as shoppers stock up on supplies with the number infected by COVID-19 rising to more than 50 on Thursday.

Violent altercations over diminishing loo roll supplies have occurred at several supermarkets and last night a truck carrying toilet paper burst into flames.

An Australian newspaper, Darwin's NT News, printed blank pages for its customers to cut out and use as loo roll in case of an emergency today amid a deepening crisis over toilet paper stocks at the nation's supermarkets

Darwin paper NT News's front page said: 'We've printed an eight-page special lift-out inside, complete with handy cut lines, for you to use in an emergency.'

YES, WE ACTUALLY DID PRINT IT #toiletpapercrisis pic.twitter.com/jusP50ojYu — The NT News (@TheNTNews) March 4, 2020

Depleted toilet paper supplies at a supermarket in Melbourne as shoppers panic buy during the coronavirus outbreak

The semi-trailer caught fire on the Gateway Motorway near Murrarie as toilet paper panic buying intensified across Australia. Firefighters and ambulance crews rushed to the scene, with the truck blocking the northbound lanes of the motorway.

And today, a brawl over loo roll broke out at a supermarket in New South Wales which ended in police deploying a taser.

Police were called to a store in Tamworth, about four hours drive north of Sydney, after the man allegedly lashed out and attacked another customer and a worker.

Coronavirus fears have triggered runs on several products, including hand sanitisers and face masks, with images of shoppers stacking trolleys with toilet rolls spreading on social media.

But supermarkets and manufacturers urged calm, reassuring customers that deliveries were increasing to compensate for the demand.

Two major supermarket chains have also limited purchases on toilet paper to help quell the stockpiling.

A delivery truck carrying toilet paper crashed and burst into flames in Brisbane last night

Amid the chaos, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has spoken out and encouraged Australians to go about their business as usual.

Mr Morrison said he had consulted with supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths, with the fallout affecting global supply chains and consumers 'panic buying' as the crisis continues to escalate.

Last week the Government initiated its Emergency Response plan, meaning the health sector is working to prepare for an outbreak, however, at this stage it does not mean a lot for the general public.

Under a worse-case-scenario public gatherings will be cancelled, people will have to work from home and aged care homes will be placed into lock down.

Experts have advised residents to prepare but not panic.

At Costco warehouses shoppers were seen loading up their trolleys with extra-large packs of toilet tissue

University of Queensland virologist Ian Mackay suggested buying 'a few extra non-perishable items' when doing your weekly shop, ABC reported.

John Robertson, the CEO of organisation Foodbank Australia recommended grabbing a few tins of soup, pet food and baby formula.

Other recommended items to keep in the house include matches, batteries and a torch.