Source: http://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20200307-coronavirus-france-caps-price-hand-sanitiser-gel-pharmacies
Market: Hand Gel
In France, the demand for hand gel has increased drastically due to fears of the spread of the coronavirus, which is considered a change in the buyers’ preference. The general populace is becoming more conscious of the importance of sanitation in limiting further spread; the overall demand for hand gels has increased (shifted to the right) because of people’s concern for their safety. In fact, Gilbert, one of France’s main producers of sanitizing gels, says it has sold 1.7 million bottles in the last six weeks compared with 800,000 for all of 2019. This increase in demand has resulted in a disequilibrium due to shortages. Since supply has remained constant and demand has increased, both the equilibrium quantity and equilibrium price have increased. Because France has placed a cap on the retail price of hand gels, equilibrium price may not be reached and shortages (more quantity demanded than quantity supplied) may persist.
Caution: Economics Students at Work 