Scarcity of alcohol leads to shortage of hand sanitisers

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 31

In view of exorbitant prices being charged by shopkeepers, the district administration had fixed the prices of hand sanitisers and face masks, but sanitiser manufacturers have expressed their helpless in preparing the same to meet the demand.

Surinder Duggal, president, Punjab Chemist Association, said the manufacturers were facing shortage of alcohol and packaging material, including plastic bottles. Due to the curfew imposed by the Punjab Government in view of coronavirus pandemic, transportation has been suspended for the past over a week now leading to the shortage of raw materials.

The curfew restrictions have now been extended till April 14 in conformity with the 21-day national lockdown announced by the Centre. Earlier, it was imposed till March 31.

Duggal said the manufacturers were ready to prepare adequate quantity of hand sanitisers, but due to the shortage of raw material, they were unable to do so. “We urge the government to intervene and direct wine companies to arrange for the same for pharma companies to meet its shortage,” he said.

Before, there was limited supply of hand sanitisers, as it was majorly required by doctors in hospital or clinics. But coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed thousands of lives globally, has led to panic purchase among common citizens.

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