10 Feb 2020 19:00

Vast increase in retail prices for medical masks in 68 Russian regions indicates 'economic looting' - FAS

MOSCOW. Feb 10 (Interfax) - The increase in retail prices for medical masks in 68 regions of Russia has all the indications of "economic looting" during a period of increased demand for them, Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) said.

The service said it is not rushing to the conclusion that there are no signs of a cartel agreement here.

"The vast increase in retail prices for medical masks in 68 regions of the Russian Federation has all the indications of 'economic looting' during a period of increased demand," the FAS said in a statement.

According to the statement, the FAS is continuing work monitoring signs of cartel activity and other violations of the law on the protection of competition and is conducting inspections on the medical masks market in all regions of Russia.

"Reports that 'FAS sees no signs of a cartel agreement in the increase of prices for medical masks' are not the official position of the agency," the statement said.

The FAS said earlier that prices on medical masks had increased considerably in 68 regions of Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on February 5, that pharmacies which increase prices on antiviral drugs and medical masks should have their licenses cancelled.

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