Savlon costs extra price, market flooded by adulterated germicide

Dishonest traders are allegedly charging extra prices for Savlon due to higher demand in the wake of the recent Coronavirus outbreak.

However, traders claimed that the demand for different disinfectants including Savlon has increased. But there is no supply as per the demand. For this reason, they have to buy the product at a higher price from those who stockpiled earlier and this affects the retail market.

Meanwhile, the market has been flooded by adulterated Savlon, hand sanitizer and hexisol. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) says action will be taken against those who charge extra and sell counterfeit products.

It was learnt from the capital’s surgical market in Paltan and drug stores in Shahbagh that the demand for disinfectants from different brands including Savlon increased for the last four months.

Joynul Haque, a resident of Segunbagicha in the capital, said that he had to buy a 500ml Savlon at Tk 190. But its price is Tk 125. The 1 liter Savlon of Tk 220 is being sold at Tk 300 to Tk 340. There is no way, but to buy at the price demanded by the ‘dishonest traders’.

Obaidul Haque who lives in Shaymoli also echoed the same.

When asked about extra price, Dhaka Pharmacy owner Anwarul Haque said, ‘I cannot get Savlon despite placing orders. But buyers come and look for it. For this reason, we have to buy at an extra price from the wholesale market and sell at higher prices.’

Jewel Hossain of Seba Pharmacy said, ‘Many are buying at a higher price and also selling at a higher price. If it could be bought at a reasonable price, it could be sold at a fair price.’

When asked, Masum Arefin, assistant director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, said, ‘We are conducting drives in the market regularty. If the allegation is proved, action will be taken. Besides, action will be taken even if someone complains to Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection about taking an extra price.’

RAB-3 executive magistrate Palash Basu said, ‘Drive will be conducted after collecting intelligence information.’

Market flooded by adulterated disinfectants

Though the supply of genuine disinfectants is inadequate, the market is flooded by counterfeit products. These products are being sold from footpaths to the alleys across the capital, after imitating the logos of well-known companies. These products include Savlon, Hand Sanitizer, Lysol and Hexisol.


Dhaka/Nur/AKA