Centre takes decision following their shortage; consumers can register complaints at 1800-11-4000 or consumerhelpline.gov.in.

Masks and hand sanitisers have been declared as essential commodities due to shortage in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

On March 13, the Centre notified an order under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to declare 2 ply and 3 ply surgical masks, N95 masks and hand sanitisers as essential commodities till June 30, 2020. It has also issued an advisory under the Legal Metrology Act, so that States can ensure these items are not sold for more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

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It has been noted that these products are “either not available with most of the vendor