The Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd smelt a rat as the queues were unusually serpentine even for a state that takes pride in its public health and hygiene record. “We sell hand sanitiser bottles of 500ml for Rs 173, while others cost up to Rs 570 depending on the brand,” Chandrababu said. While isopropyl is commonly used to make hand sanitisers, the Kerala company uses ethanol sourced from Travancore Sugars and Chemicals Ltd, another state-run company. “Consumption of hand sanitisers could lead to the permanent damage of internal organs or even fatality. On certain days it sold hand sanitiser worth Rs 8 lakh since the market is huge.

Source: The Telegraph May 31, 2020 21:31 UTC