New Delhi: The Centre has brought masks and hand sanitisers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (EC Act) to make sure that these products, key for preventing the spread of Covid-19 infection, are available to people at the right price and in the right quality.

The move comes as panic buying by people resulted in stocks of masks and sanitizers disappearing from the markets. They are being sold at exorbitant prices in areas where the supplies exist.

Taking note of the fact that masks (2ply and 3ply surgical masks and N95 masks) and hand sanitisers are not easily available and vendors are charging exorbitant prices for them, the government declared these items as essential commodities till June 30 under the EC Act, an official statement said here.

Under this Act, the States and Union Territories can ask manufacturers to enhance their production capacity so that these products are widely available to consumers. Under the Act, an offender may be punished with an imprisonment up to seven years.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry has also invoked the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 which would carry out action against those involved in overpricing and black marketing of the products.

Under the Essential Commodities Act, States can ask manufacturers to enhance their production capacity of these items, to make the supply chain smooth, while under the Legal Metrology Act, which is also in force, the States can ensure sale of both at maximum retail price (MRP).