Dubai Economy has imposed fines on 14 merchants for inflating the prices of face masks to exploit the rise in demand for hygiene essentials following the nationwide alert against the new coronavirus, Covid-19, a media report said.

The merchants fined for tampering with prices included nine pharmacies in Nad Al Hamar, Al Mizhar, Nad Hessa, Sheikh Zayed Road, Hor Al Anz, A Twar, Al Qusais, Umm Suqaim and Al Warqa, and five others included two supermarkets and suppliers, reported state news agency Wam, citing a statement issued by Dubai Economy.

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy issued fines to the 14 merchants following consumer complaints and due investigations, including tracking the supply chain to verify the price. A repeat offense would attract double the fines and may lead to closing down the outlet.

Dubai Economy reminded businesses to refrain from taking undue advantage of the present situation and also called on pharmacies and medical equipment suppliers to demonstrate their social responsibility by reducing the prices of essentials, such as face masks, sanitisers, and disinfectants.