Procon Natal carries out price research on Personal Protection Products (PPE)

The Municipal Institute for Consumer Protection and Defense of Natal (Procon Natal) carried out price research on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as latex gloves for procedures and triple protection disposable masks in the capital’s commerce. A total of 39 commercial establishments, pharmacies, drugstores and those selling hospital products were surveyed, in the four administrative regions. The research was carried out between the 11th and 18th of April; however, in only 29 establishments products were found in satisfactory quantities for sale to consumers.

The study by the Procon Research Center aims to clarify for consumers where to find Personal Protective Equipment at the best prices in the post-Covid-19 pandemic days. This year the average price found in a box of latex procedure gloves, with 100 units, was R$35.36. In 2023, this same product cost R$59.98. A reduction of R$24.62 from one year to the next, with a negative variation of 69.63%. In relation to disposable masks with triple nasal protection, in a box of 50 units, the same behavior was observed, that is, a reduction in retail prices. Last year, the average price of masks researched was R$20.86, and this year the research found the same product being sold, on average in the establishments surveyed, for R$17.98, a difference in reais of one year for the other R$ 2.88. This represents a negative variation of 16.02%. The falling behavior in prices has been observed consecutively in each year of the research. This is what the data analyzed by Procon Municipal shows.

The Institute highlights the importance of consumers researching prices in several neighborhoods, if possible, since the research covered all regions of the city, in locations close to hospitals, neighborhoods far from large centers and even in large national and regional chains in the city. commerce in the capital of Rio Grande do Norte. The study also showed that the Medix brand glove box is the most popular and is present in 65% of establishments. The highest price found for the product was R$79.99 and the lowest price was R$25.00. This represents a variation of 219.96% between the highest and lowest price researched for the same product, that is, a difference in reais of R$54.99. Analyzing the masks, Procon found that Medix is ​​present in 62% of the establishments surveyed. The product had a variation of 461.69% between the highest price (R$ 49.99) and the lowest (R$ 8.90), that is, a difference in reais for the same product in different establishments of R$ 41.09 .

The mask is widely used by consumers who need care and caregivers in their home. The research also found different prices and brands, and the consumer must evaluate the quality and prices in establishments, taking precedence over their rights before purchasing. In view of this, Procon Natal created a list with variations between the highest and lowest prices, with the addresses and telephone numbers of the establishments researched, as well as the cheapest prices found in the research, and made it available on its page at www.natal. rn.gov.br/procon/pesquisa. Copying of research data is permitted, as long as the source is cited: Procon Natal Research Center. However, the use of the material, in whole or in part, for commercial advertising purposes of any kind is prohibited.

The Institute also warns consumers who intend to make purchases online to pay attention to shipping, which makes the product more expensive, as well as to be alert to scams or fraud when purchasing. When purchasing a product on the web, consumers must observe certain precautions, such as checking whether the website is safe and trustworthy, preferring well-known brands, being wary of offers with very low prices and being careful when sharing their personal data.
Procon Natal has its customer service team ready to meet the demands of consumers from Natal, and if their rights have been infringed, they must report it by phone (84) 3232-9050 and WhatsApp 84 98870-3665, or even in person at headquarters of the organization, located at Rua Ulisses Caldas, 181 – Cidade Alta – Natal.