Stores in Bridgeport appear to be charging up to 10 times the retail value for basic items like hand sanitizer during the coronavirus outbreak, residents claim.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal condemned price gouging during the national health emergency, and urged residents to report incidents to the Connecticut State's Attorney's Office and the office of the Connecticut Attorney General.

 

Marie Vargas, a Bridgeport resident, tells News 12 she is outraged that local business owners would exploit their neighbors at a time when she says everyone should be coming together to help each other, not profiteer during a frightening period of uncertainty.

Attorney General William Tong says he has received 71 complaints regarding large price hikes on basic supplies like hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper since Gov. Ned Lamont declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies on March 10 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Office of the Attorney General has received reports of 7.5 oz hand sanitizer bottles retailing for more than $25 and 2 oz bottles of hand sanitizer selling for $10 at local gas stations and stores.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER - Cases in the tri-state area
TESTING SITES: A list of coronavirus testing sites in the tri-state area

Anyone who suspects price gouging should file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General online here.