#Coronavirus: Govt Fixes Rs 100 For Hand Sanitizers, Rs 10 For Face Masks Under Essential Commodities Act

In a very drastic move, which was much needed, Govt of India has regulated, and fixed the price of hand sanitizers, and face masks for all shop keepers, brands and customers.

Price Capped For Hand Sanitizers, Face Masks

As per the new notification, hand sanitizers cannot be sold for more than Rs 100 per 200ML. 

Whereas 3-ply face masks cannot be sold for more than Rs 10, and 2-ply face masks for Rs 8.

These price regulations and cap has been imposed under the Essential Commodities Act, and in case any shopkeeper attempts to sell hand sanitizers and face masks more than these price limits, then action can be taken against them.

This development was confirmed by Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, as he said, “Since the outbreak of coronavirus, the market has seen a huge increase in the prices of various face masks and materials used in its manufacture and hand sanitiser. Taking this seriously, the government has fixed their prices,”

Much Needed Step Against Black Marketing

Ever since the coronavirus outbreak happened, price of hand sanitizers and face masks increased by a massive margin.

Since every doctor and WHO is recommending hand sanitizers to wash hands in order to prevent infection, some brands and shops increased the price of hand sanitizers by upto 16-times.

In some cases, the price of hand sanitizers increased by 100%. Although action taken against them, but more proactive steps were needed.

At the same time, the price of face masks too suddenly increased, as demand shot up, but supply remained lethargic. Shop keepers started taking advantage of this, and in some cases, the price was increased by 233% to book more profits.

Govt has already announced that both face masks and hand sanitizers are now part of Essential Commodities Act, and this means these products cannot be hoarded, and cannot be black marketed to book more profits.

We will keep you updated as more news come in.