Stock market continues to fall while Dettol continues to rise due to Coronavirus

Sales of Dettol and Lysol products have surged as the spread of the coronavirus outbreak continues.

The disinfectant is seen as providing protection against the spread of the disease, although its effectiveness has not yet been scientifically proven.

In China, demand for Dettol-branded hand gels is outstripping supply, owner Reckitt Benckiser has said.

The shortages come as global markets slump for a sixth day, with the FTSE 100 down more than 3%.

We are seeing some increased demand for Dettol and Lysol products and are working to support the relevant healthcare authorities and agencies, including through donations, information and education. We do see increased activity online for our consumers in China,” Dettol owner Reckitt Benckiser said in its results on Thursday.

“If you look at China today, what you are seeing is that consumer traffic to store is down, but you do see activity moving to online,” Reckitt Benckiser chief executive Laxman Narasimhan said.

He added the firm had “seen some disruptions to retail and distribution channels and getting products in to market”, meaning the effect on company performance had been balanced.

Hand washing with soap is one of the key health messages promoted by governments in the face of the outbreak, and Dettol and Lysol are two of the world’s leading disinfectants.

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Samantha Day

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