Inflated prices is a natural market force which helps ensure that goods get distributed fairly. If masks would be available at 80 cents apiece to the general public, the first few customers would buy them by the hundreds and thousands, and supply would disappear. Keeping prices higher helps prevent individual hoarding by making it cost prohibitive, thereby leading to wider distribution. It also encourages manufacturers and distributors to be more motivated to take extra risks in bringing more to the market as the payoff makes it more worthwhile. Economics 101; supply and demand.
Menu