The new government measures to prevent the proliferation of the omicron strain in Greece have predictably caused the price of FFP2 or KN95 masks to rise and their profit margins increased by more than 20%. The Ministry of Development announces strict controls.
Adonis Georgiadis spoke about speculation and fines of up to a million euros if the profit from sales protective accessory will increase by more than 20% compared to February last year:
“Until June 30, 2022, it is forbidden for basic necessities (food, masks, gloves, antiseptics) to have a profit of more than 20% than in February 2020, that is, before the start of the pandemic.”
As for the masks increased protection, then a study of the online market has already shown an increase in their prices by almost 43%. Moreover, the excitement of consumers caused a shortage of masks of this type in pharmacies, which many attribute to the haste of the government – first it announced the need for masks with increased protection and only then thought about combating speculation.
Mr Georgiadis, meanwhile, threatened that the price hike was a crime and would be fined. He urged entrepreneurs to “correct” the exorbitantly high prices:
“Do not think that in the midst of the Christmas season, I will allow the needs of the people to be taken advantage of in connection with the coming of Omicron. I advise you to think about it before it’s too late, because Monday comes when the services will start working and the fine will be provided ”.
How effective the possible measures of the government will be in this situation, we will see (if we see) in the near future. In the meantime, let’s compare the prices of masks before the government’s decision on new measures and after:
Packing 10 pieces of Famex Μάσκα Προστασίας FFP2 Particle Filtering Half NR Midnight Blue masks, which cost 2.10 euros before December 22, after December 24 it costs 3 euros, that is, the cost has increased by 42.85%. Ten Famex Μάσκας Προστασίας FFP2 NR για Παιδιά Lilac masks cost 2.18 euros. Now the price per pack has increased to 2.40 euros, or 10.09%. Instead of 14 euros, you will have to pay 15.2 for the FFP2 NR Face Mask KADI-100 white (pack of 25). The price for 10 Welooo FFP2 σκα Προστασίας BFE> 98% blue masks has increased to 3.45 euros, which was previously 2.90 euros.
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