Coronavirus: Pwani Oil announces 5 per cent reduction in soap,cooking oilprices

Manufacturer Pwani Oil has reduced the prices of some of its edible oil and soap products so as to encourage consumers to take protective measures against the coronavirus.

The move comes in the wake of sharp demand for essential consumer goods with prices also going up soon after the government reported the first case of coronavirus in Kenya on March 13, 2020.

The manufacturer has announced a 5 per cent reduction in the prices of its soap products Diva, Sawa and Detrex to encourage regular washing of hands among Kenyans.

The firm will also avail 150 hand washing kits in public places in major towns including Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Nyeri.

Personal hygiene has been cited as an effective weapon against the spread of the virus which has so far infected 169,000 people and killed 6,000 worldwide.

The company has further announced a 5 per cent reduction in the price of its Fresh Fri Garlic brand of cooking oil which it says has a carrier of zinc because it has garlic oil and has been fortified with Vitamins A and D – all critical nutrients in boosting human immunity and fighting viral infections.

“As a business that cares for the well-being of our consumers, we are alive to the serious health challenge posed by the spread of the coronavirus globally,” said Rajul Malde, Pwani Oil Commercial Director.

“Our decision to lower prices on some of our products is informed by the need to encourage consumers to embrace preventive measures against the disease including healthy nutrient intake and personal hygiene.”

The Competition Authority of Kenya previously issued a stern warning to product manufacturers and retailers against hiking the prices of goods in response to panic buying in supermarkets and other outlets.