Sellers hike N95 mask prices as supplies thin out

As supplies for N95 masks thin out, the price also went up from P40 per piece to as high as P80 per piece on Tuesday morning.

Unlike the situation on Monday, no more lines of people could be seen along Bambang Street in Manila as supplies of N95 masks ran out in some stores. Those which still have supplies sell N95 masks for P100 per piece.

A medical supply store in Alvarez, a street adjacent to Bambang, sells N95 masks for P60 to P80 each depending on the brand.

The sellers said they have no choice but to increase the price as their supplier jacked up the price.

However, the sellers said they still have the cheapest masks.

They said the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Health personnel are conducting rounds to ensure that there will be no overpricing.

Demand for N95 masks grew high following the widespread ashfall caused by the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas. The ashfall reached as far as Central Luzon. —KBK, GMA News