Daijiworld Media Network - Colva (SHP)

Colva, Mar 11: Amid the rising panic over coronavirus, pharmacy owners are trying to benefit with the hike in prices. Some sellers are also trying to create an artificial shortage. In Margao, pharmacy owners are limiting masks to two per person with a sharp increase in price.

A disposable face mask which is available under normal circumstances at Rs 15 is being sold at Rs 20 to Rs 40, while the reusable N95 and 3M versions, which generally costs, Rs 80 to Rs 100, are offered in the range of Rs 100 to Rs 350.

A pharmacist stated that before the outbreak of coronavirus, his sale of disposable masks was just 2-3 a day and the target group was two-wheeler riders. But now, he makes daily sales of 30-50 reusable masks. The sale of sanitizers and liquid soaps also increased three-fold and many are still waiting for new consignment since last week.

Commenting on the situation, a senior citizen said that unethical business practices take place when demand is higher than the supply.