Face masks and hand sanitisers have been added to this year’s price-stabilisation programme in HCM City to ensure stable supply during the COVID-19 period. — VNA Photo

Face masks and hand sanitisers have been added to the list of essential goods covered by the price stabilisation programme in HCM City amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Tran Vinh Tuyen, deputy chairman of HCM City People’s Committee, has signed a decision on a plan to carry out this year’s programme, which will last until March 31, 2021.

The list of essential products include foodstuff such as rice, noodles and vermicelli, as well as sugar, cooking oil, eggs, meat, vegetable and seasonings.

The stabilised essential goods normally account for around 25-30 per cent of total market demand, and up to 40 per cent during Tet months.

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, these goods are accounting for 35-50 per cent of market demand.

The city will ensure stabilised supply of 57.5 million face masks and 3.29 million of hand sanitiser bottles (1.2 million litres) for the next three months.

Businesses in the stabilisation programme have to register prices of their stabilised goods with the Department of Finance. Prices of stabilised goods are 5-10 per cent lower than the market price.

Manufacturers and distributors have been increasing their supply of face masks. — VNS