Behind the Hand Sanitizer and Face Mask Price Hike During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Hand sanitizers and face masks are in short supply amid the massive COVID-19 prevention campaign. Products still available in the market are being sold at astronomical prices.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

An officer serves mask buyers during the mask market operation that was held by Jakarta Administration-owned market company Pasar Jaya at the Jakmart Pasar Pramuka outlet, East Jakarta, Friday (6/3/2020). The market operation sells masks for Rp 125,000 per box containing 50 masks or Rp 2,500 per piece. Purchases were limited to one box per person with the requirement of showing their ID cards when making a purchase.

Hand sanitizers and face masks are becoming a rarity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The products’ availability is limited and their prices have soared compared to before the pandemic.

To reduce COVID-19 risks, people are being told to wash their hands as often as possible and maintain personal hygiene. In line with this, liquid hand soaps, hand sanitizers and face masks are becoming a rarity across drug stores, pharmacies, shopping centers and mini markets. Increased demand for these products has led to the scarcity.