Nine pharmacies and two suppliers have been caught profiteering from the coronavirus outbreak by authorities in Dubai.
Officials said the firms had ramped up prices of basic hygiene products, including face masks and hand sanitiser.
Authorities from the Dubai Department of Economic Development can now issue a Dh5,000 fine to companies found to be inflating consumer prices.
Repeat offenders could have the fine doubled and be forced to close their business.
“The fines were issued after consumer complaints and follow-up by the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection sector," said a DED spokesman.
“Businesses should refrain from taking advantage of the present situation to inflate prices of face masks, sanitisers and disinfectants.”
The nine pharmacies fined to date were located in Jumeirah, Al Wasl, Naif, Ibn Batuta Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Al Khawaneej and Mirdif .
The two suppliers were fined after the DED tracked the supply chain and verified firms had sold masks to pharmacies at too high a price.
