Demand for commodities up, supply down

Masks, sanitizers have disappeared from the markets, causing an increase in their prices

LAHORE: Massive purchase of ration, masks and sanitizers by the people to cope with a coronavirus outbreak has made profiteers active.

Masks and sanitizers have disappeared from the markets, causing an increase in their prices. Moreover, shopkeepers are selling food items in disregard to the rates set by the government.

The price of LPG has also increased by Rs20 per kilogramme. Citizens have started to protest against the profiteers and hoarders.

Sources revealed that the demand for face masks and sanitizers has risen in the market for protection from coronavirus. The profiteers have also started to charge double prices. A mask that was sold at Rs5 is now being sold for Rs40 and sanitizer prices have increased from Rs140 to Rs300.

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Citizens have started buying pulses, sugar, flour, dried milk, soap, liquid hand wash and biscuits due to the fear of shortages.

Big crowds were seen at the city's major supermarkets, wholesale and retail stores.

On the other hand, the LPG mafia has increased the prices by Rs20 per kg, due to the closure of the Pak-Iran border amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Supply of LPG from Iran’s Taftan border has been affected due to growing concerns about the virus.

LPG is being sold in various areas including Gulshan-e-Ravi, Samanabad, Band Road, Shahdara and Multan Road for Rs100 to Rs150 per kg.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2020.