Hand Sanitizer Stocks Running Low As Of Yesterday

Hand sanitizer gel stocks are running low. But do not panic.

This comes after the coronavirus outbreak news prompted the pub­lic to take heed of hygiene meas­ures.

Fiji Pharmaceutical Society pres­ident Reenal Chand said pharmacy outlets have seen a high demand for sanitizer gel and face masks.

He said during normal times there was not much usage of hand sanitizer gel as people would only purchase a bottle which would last for months.

“Now people are buying bottles a day so our wholesalers and retail­ers are trying to get in as many stocks as they can but the thing is, not many companies are exporting anymore.

“Each countries will try and look after its own market first and then they will see if they have enough stock, then maybe they will con­sider exporting.

“We are encouraging people not to rely on hand sanitizer gels.

“If you don’t have it, move on to the alternative which is washing your hands with soap and water.

“World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health have also sug­gested that washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pharmacies and su­permarkets in Labasa have run out of hand sanitizer gels and masks as of yesterday.

Labasa consumer behaviour

Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Satish Ku­mar said people should not panic.

“We are aware that hand sanitizer gels and masks are not available on shelves but it will be replenished once the stock arrives,” Mr Kumar said.

“The suppliers are in Viti Levu and would soon send it across.

“However, this will take time.”

“Such kind of consumer behav­iour is a good sign as this shows people are taking precautionary measures seriously against COV­ID-19,” he said.

“Nevertheless, we encourage peo­ple to continue practising hand washing.”

There are three pharmacies in La­basa; Labasa Pharmacy, Northern Drug Store and My Chemist.

When contacted these pharma­cies, they said the availability of the products would depend on the supplier.

Some might take two to four weeks to send the package.

When asked once the stock will be available would there be an in­crease of price for hand sanitizer and masks.

They replied that they don’t know because it depends on the amount supplied by the supplier.

Price control

As for price control on hand sani­tizer gel, Mr Chand said the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society have been in consultations with the Fiji Com­petition and Consumer Commis­sion (FCCC).

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