Govt Fixes Price of 200 ml Hand Sanitizer at Rs 100

GUWAHATI: The central government has fixed the price of hand sanitizers and face masks with a view to prevent sellers from over-charging and hoarding these items in the midst of coronavirus scare. 

The union minister for consumer affairs, Ram Vilas Paswan, said on Friday, March 20 that a 200 ml bottle of hand sanitizer cannot be sold for more than Rs 100 and added that the cost of face masks cannot exceed Rs 10 per piece.  

"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 sanitizer. Taking this seriously, the government has fixed their prices," he mentioned in a tweet.

He added that under the Essential Commodities Act, the cost of fabric used in two- and three-ply masks will remain the same as it was on February 12, which is Rs 8 and Rs 10 respectively.

This will be applicable across the country till June 30, 2020.

While the retail price of a 200 ml bottle of bottle of hand sanitizer has been fixed at Rs 100, bottles of other sizes too will be priced accordingly.  

It is to be mentioned that last week the government had declared face masks and hand sanitizers as essential commodities for the next 100 days.