Coronavirus: Big action by Modi government! Prices of masks, sanitisers fixed - Check rates | Don't pay more than this

Amid rising number of cases of coronavirus in India, Modi government has taken a big action! Government has capped prices of hand sanitisers and masks. And, States/UTs have been asked to maintain essential supplies.

Taking an important action amid corona crisis, 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 a news conference 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 foodgrains 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.

After declaring face masks and hand sanitisers under essential commodities, the government has now fixed the prices of these items, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said in a tweet. He said that since the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Indian market has seen a huge surge in the prices of various face masks and hand sanitizers. Therefore, the government has fixed the prices of two-ply and three-ply surgical masks and hand sanitizers.

Paswan said, "Under the Essential Commodities Act, the prices of fabric used two-ply and three-ply surgical masks will remain the same as it was on February 12, while the retail prices of three-ply masks will be at Rs 8 per mask and not exceed Rs 10."

The Union Minister said, "The retail price of a 200 ml bottle of hand sanitizer will not exceed Rs 100. Other sizes of bottles will also be priced in the same proportion. These prices will be applicable throughout the country till June 30, 2020."