Japan to ban disinfectant resale as more regional economies reopen

I saw a 2L bottle of hand sanitizer for ¥21,000 in this store where I live. But here's the bonus: you get a free set of 5 masks which they sell for ¥1,698. Is this what they're trying to put a ban on?

By banning Resale, I mean by buying something in general, and reselling on as new later on without holding an official license to do so. Particularly to capitalize upon events such as the one we've gone through.

I suspect, a lot of these resellers are Chinese. (Likewise, I know, first hand, they're also currently trying to register an interest in the free 100K JPY handout, so I hope the Government checks that they're actually here during the time of Crisis before making a payment to them - and indeed that should also apply to other Nationals too).

Use vodka.

Did for the algae-infested fish tank

i bought two cans of 18L for 5000yen each, 70% alcohol, that's less than 300yen /L bought a dozen 100yen spray bottles and now all my family and inlaws have enough to last them for 6 months. Im no prepper but I always have at least 10L in stock at all times

Price fixing higher than usual by primary sellers and manufacturers must be stop now, can you do this???

Saw masks yesterday on sale for 1,950 Yen for 50. Still more expensive than pre-Covid but the trend seems to be going downward. Let's hope it will return to normal soon

Use vodka.

How about just banning Resale ?

Nope, mask prices have been down for a couple of weeks now. They'll probably be at their original prices soon.

Not where I live. They aren’t even close to precovid prices. Sharp is selling boxes of 50 online for 2,980¥ plus 600¥ shipping.

I’m fine with stopping resellers but price gouging needs to be stopped too. 50 masks used to cost between 700-1000¥. Now they are going for 3000-4000¥.

Nope, mask prices have been down for a couple of weeks now. They'll probably be at their original prices soon.

This pandemic, is shining an even brighter light on the sever failings of following the neoliberal push to turn all social relation into market relations, where especially in low supply conditions 

Price gougers have been doing this since the dawn of time and exploit a shortage when it comes up. In the current environment it is particularly despicable.

However, the actions of many have shown that people know how to behave, and pull together as a society to work for a common good.

The neoliberal model of humans as nothing more than wealth maximizing economic agents is shown to be false again.

The neoliberal movement has been largely funded by the Koch brothers and who fund the far right activities of the tea party type activists in the states. They have been very successful in earning the support of the very people they are using their powers to screw over.

When the dust settles from COVID-19, hopefully the world will ask some serious questions about how to live going forward.

I have moved quite a bit too the left over the years - first the financial crisis and then this. It is clear that when the SHTF, only governments are there to sort things out and all the buccaneering capitalists come running back asking for handouts.

And there will be some who will defend their right to sell at whatever price they want. That's not a society I want to live in and I don't want to be surrounded by people who think like this.

This pandemic, is shining an even brighter light on the sever failings of following the neoliberal push to turn all social relation into market relations, where especially in low supply conditions those with money have a much greater advantage. Of course, this goes against a democratic understanding that we end up with better and safer societies when we share more equitably public goods. We are talking about masks and alcohol here, but shouldn't we extend the discussion to other basic needs, such as housing, nutritious food, medicine, etc.?

There is the rather illogical notion that each individual or company pursuing greater wealth will lead to social betterment, but we see in the example discussed in this article and the fact of increasing global inequality, that private wealth mostly remains private. Imagine what would happen in a family if each member tried to eat all the food many hands produced. That would go over well, wouldn't it.

I’m fine with stopping resellers but price gouging needs to be stopped too. 50 masks used to cost between 700-1000¥. Now they are going for 3000-4000¥.

The new rule effective from Tuesday will prohibit individuals and businesses from reselling disinfectant, high-proof alcohol for sanitizing hands and cleaning wipes containing alcohol at a price higher than a purchase price.

At 2,400 yen a bottle for 87% alcohol, who would even want to buy it!

Price gouging by primary sellers and manufacturers must be addressed if equity is to be achieved across society.

But companies can set their own prices. Today 500ml sanitizer for 1580 yen. So that's ok with the government?

These are legal efforts to stem "price gouging". A specific term for reselling a necessity at extremely high values in the face of a shortage stemming from a crisis situation. Worth googling up the term.