Large Pharmacies Have Significant Residual Stocks of Alcohol Gel

In the major pharmacy chains of Armenia, as well as among manufacturers, there is a significant amount of residual alcohol gel. Gegham Gevorgyan, the chairman of the State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition of Armenia, stated this during a press conference.

“At the initial stage of the spread of the new coronavirus, there was a daily volume shortage of alcohol gel in pharmacies because people were purchasing considerable amounts every day. Today, major chains have residual stocks of alcohol gel, including at companies that produce alcohol gel, in quite large quantities. During this time, we have maintained constant direct communication with both medical alcohol and alcohol gel producers. Currently, the production volumes of these products have increased several times,” noted Gevorgyan.

According to him, the wholesale prices for medical alcohol have increased slightly—by a few drams—due to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the dollar. However, this has not affected the price of alcohol gel.

As of March 24, Armenia has reported a total of 235 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The Armenian government has declared a state of emergency in the country. This state of emergency has been effective throughout the Republic of Armenia since March 16, 2020, starting from 6:30 PM until April 14, 2020, at 5:00 PM. The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Armenia was recorded on March 1, when a citizen returned from Iran. He has since recovered and been discharged. On March 21, a second recovery was reported.