A compromise will be found to settle concerns expressed by pharmacists on the price capping for surgical masks that need to be worn in shops and public transport, Prime Minister Robert Abela said today.

Pharmacists said they will not be selling masks until the government clarifies its position after a 95 cents capping was imposed per surgical mask and €5 for visors.

Speaking to the media, Abela said he understood the position of pharmacists who are saying that they bought their stock at higher prices, but he was sure that a solution will be found.

Abela said that he felt that the 95-cent price cap is a reasonable one, but noted that he understands the circumstances in this case and is open to discussions so that a compromise can be reached.

“I understand the circumstances we are in, and where we can help, we will help – you will see it in other measures; we have helped and we will keep helping”, Abela said.

He said that having a price cap is already a very important step forward, but admitted that there had been complaints that the price does not compensate for the price they are importing it at.

These are two perspectives which need to be seen together, Abela said before, however, noting that he is sure that a compromise in this regard can be reached.

He disassociated himself from anyone somehow negatively labelling pharmacists, noting that they had done crucial and exceptional work while on the front line in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

He reminded that as long as there is a legal notice which is clear, even though there are no penalties, it has to be observed.

The consultation process, he said, is still ongoing; “this is not a government which imposes; it is one which consults.”

“There needs to be a compromise which is good for everyone; I think the 95-cent price is just, but if there is more we can do we will see what we can do, and likewise if there are pharmacists who are losing money then we will see what we can do there as well”, he added.

The wearing of masks when visiting retail outlets, using public transport, and using the Gozo channel was made mandatory by health authorities first in an announcement on Friday and then through a legal notice issued later in the weekend. The measure is a precautionary one so that people who may be unknowing carriers of the virus will not transmit the virus to others.

Chamber of Commerce describe measures as “draconian” and “unacceptable”

The Chamber of Commerce meanwhile also lambasted the price cap, describing it as “draconian” and “unacceptable”, calling for the measures to be withdrawn.

“The Chamber is sensitive to the needs of its members and consumers at this time of unfortunate hardship on the country so much so that it warned against price hikes and potential abuse on prices of essential products deemed essential in the fight against Covid-19”, the Chamber said in a statement issued on Monday.

“The Chamber is aware of the cost of supply from the international markets and the competition for such essential products to be attracted to Malta. Local suppliers are dependent on such market forces and this must be recognised”, they said.

“On a matter of principle, the Chamber deems yesterday’s move to revert to price orders as unacceptable. This clearly sets an unnecessary dangerous precedent in the wake of reportedly sufficient stocks of protective masks in the country”, they continued.

“The Chamber will strongly oppose price orders issued in times of extraordinary crisis especially when other alternatives available to the Government to support customers and the public at large would have been discounted”, they added.

“The Chamber is prepared to consult appropriately with the competent authorities in order to give its views and recommendations on the matter with immediate effect but asks for the draconian measure announced yesterday to be withdrawn”, they concluded.

'Government takes Malta back to 50 years with its restart of price fixing' - Chamber of SMEs 

The Malta Chamber of SMEs meanwhile slammed the government’s move of introducing the price cap.

"A practice that used to be carried out up till the 1970 and that since then the country had proudly eradicated, until today. Such a level of imposed intervention should not even be possible in this day and age", they said in a statement published on Monday.

"As an SME Chamber we call on the government to act responsibly and our policy makers not to make these kind of ill thought mistakes. There are many ways to get to a final result and decisions not in line with the standards of social dialogue, that date from an era of a closed and under-developed economy, are not acceptable."