Astoria Supermarket Accused Of Coronavirus Price Gouging

ASTORIA, QUEENS — New York Attorney General Tish James accused Astoria's City Fresh Market of price gouging disinfectant sprays amid skyrocketing demand for cleaning products that help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Investigators with the state attorney general's office discovered the Astoria supermarket selling 19-ounce containers of Lysol disinfectant spray for $14.99 during a Monday visit, according to a spokesperson.

Other retailers are selling the same size of Lysol for roughly half the price, an online search shows.

“On my watch, we will not tolerate schemes or frauds designed to turn large profits by exploiting people’s health concerns,” James said. “While there remains no cause for widespread panic, some people are looking to prey on others’ anxiety and line their own pockets."

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The attorney general's office ordered City Fresh to lower its prices for sanitizers and disinfectants within five days, or face a fine of up to $25,000 for violating a state law against selling necessary goods at "unconscionably excessive prices during any abnormal disruption of the market," the statute says.

City Fresh did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Price gouging of medical and cleaning supplies has become a growing problem in New York, according to state lawmakers, who introduced a bill to crack down on local retailers capitalizing on concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.

The New York attorney general's office is advising shoppers to report overpriced disinfectants, hand sanitizers and other essential goods using this online form.

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