A consumer advocacy group yesterday expressed anger over unscrupulous retailers that are seeking to profit from SARS fears by selling cotton face masks at exorbitant prices.
With the ongoing shortage of masks and growing numbers of suspected SARS cases, the public is in a frenzy to purchase the masks.
"The public is beginning to panic ... they are buying any masks they can a hold of regardless of the quality or price," Cheng Jen-hung (
"This has allowed unscrupulous businesspeople to make a quick profit from consumer fears," he said.
Over the last two weeks, NT$10 cloth mask prices have jumped to NT$60, while active charcoal masks have gone from NT$80 to NT$200. Cloth masks are virtually ineffective against the virus.
The shortage has resulted in a variety of mask products flooding the market, many without brand names or material descriptions.
Late last week, several major drug stores reportedly sold out of masks after the government classified SARS as a statutory communicable disease.
The foundation released a report on mask prices yesterday after conducting investigations on March 18 and March 30.
"The price hike has been the most significant in individual pharmacies located near to hospitals," Cheng said.
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