Surgical masks see up to 300% escalation in prices owing to coronavirus scare

The coronavirus scare has taken a toll on the availability of masks in the retail market as pharmacies find themselves grappling with shortages.

“There aren’t enough masks in the market. If you want to buy one, you can take it or leave it," a Times of India report quoted shopkeepers in Delhi as saying.

Surgical masks have seen an escalation of 300 per cent. They used to cost Rs 10 but now are available for Rs 40, the report said. Prices of N95 masks, sanitisers have also shot up.


Local shopkeepers are left with stocks being provided by domestic manufacturers of masks as supplies from China are disrupted due to widespread shutdown that has impacted global supply chains.

The shortage has also impacted the supply of masks for healthcare workers.

“Healthcare workers are at maximum risk to catch the infection because they are directly in touch with patients. They need to be provided with all possible protective equipment to be able to work without fear or anxiety," the report quoted a doctor as saying.

Experts have advised that those who are healthy should not wear masks and leave them only for those who are faced with respiratory illnesses and healthcare workers who come in contact with patients on a daily basis.