Woolworths has changed its refund policy after shelves have been emptied by panic buyers stockpiling essential items in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

Shoppers have been seen stampeding through stores and brawling over items such as toilet paper.

Shortages have forced supermarkets to enforce limits on certain items, with politicians issuing warnings to the public.

Woolworths implemented a two-packet transaction limit on toilet paper on Sunday.

The supermarket usually refunds items where there has been a change of mind and where an item is “unopened, in its original packaging, within reasonable best before dates and with clear proof of purchase”.

In the video below: Women seen brawling over toilet paper

Play Video Three women were been brawling over toilet paper at a Sydney supermarket. Three women were been brawling over toilet paper at a Sydney supermarket.

But as of Wednesday, certain items including toilet paper and tissues, will not be refunded on the basis of a change of mind.

Other goods include paper towels, pain relief medication, cleaning products such as anti-bacterial wipes and sprays, feminine hygiene and incontinence products, baby wipes, pasta and pasta sauce, canned food including fish, vegetables and soup, rice, cooking oils and flour and bread mixes.

Empty shelves that were once stocked with toilet paper are seen in Balmain Woolworths, Sydney. Credit: AAP

The new policy is in place until further notice.

It comes just days after three women were filmed brawling at a Woolworths supermarket in Sydney.

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The women, two who have since been charged over the incident, had been arguing over toilet paper.

Big Brother 2003 winner and the mum of a young boy with cystic fibrosis Regina Sorensen called out panicked buyers for leaving vulnerable people without the essentials.

“It’s just frustrating for people like us who have health issues have to suffer because everyone is being greedy and going crazy,” Sorensen said.