UAE cracks down on retailers hiking price of hand sanitisers

  • Date: 13-Mar-2020
  • Source: Khaleej Times
  • Sector:Retail
  • Country:UAE
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UAE cracks down on retailers hiking price of hand sanitisers

Authorities in Sharjah and Ajman have launched a major crackdown on retailers who are hiking the price of hand sanitisers to cash in on the coronavirus outbreak.. Violators could be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh100,000 and their outlets could also face permanent closure, the Ministry of Economy (MoE) has warned.. An official at the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) said that the move follows complaints from customers about 100-120 per cent increase in the prices of hand sanitisers produced by various companies.. The customers have pointed out that the retailers are exploiting the situation and taking advantage of the zooming demand of the sanitisers in the wake of coronavirus scourge.. Khaleej Times carried out field visits to a number of supermarkets, groceries and commercial outlets in both the emirates.. It was found that the demand of hand santisers had increased by 200 per cent.. Many shopkeepers in various areas said that they had run out of stock and had increased prices as imports have stopped while the demand has grown manifold.. An employee at Al Madinah Supermarket in Al Qasimiya area in Sharjah said they received a circular from the SEDD about the prices of the santisers and were warned