Govt caps prices of hand sanitizers, masks

New Delhi, Mar 22: Government has issued orders to cap the retail prices of hand sanitizers at Rs. 100 per bottle of 200 ml. Retail prices of surgical mask (3 ply) shall not be more than Rs. 10 and that of mask (2 ply) shall not be more than Rs. 8 per piece. Melt Blown non-Woven Fabric used in manufacturing face masks (2 ply and 3 ply) have also been capped at the prices prevailing a month ago, as on February 12, 2020. The Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies, Pawan Agarwal told that notification in this regard has been issued. Both these items have already been included in the Essential Commodities Act, he added.  Agarwal said distilleries have been asked to ramp production of Ethyl Alcohol and provide them to manufacturers of deodorant sprays so that there is no shortage of hand sanitizers. The Secretary said there is no shortage of Essential Commodities such as food grains and appealed the common people not to go for panic buying. He said States/UTs have been advised that transport of essential supplies including food and hygiene products must be maintained. Necessary directions have been issued to ensure that couriers of ecommerce platforms are allowed to supply essential items without hassle. Besides, the States and Consumers can also avail of Consumer Helpline to act swiftly against hoarding, shortages and other malpractices.