Rapid antigen tests double in price in Australia amid concerns of price-gouging

Any official crackdown on price-gouging of rapid antigen tests in Australia is unlikely, despite government suggestions it will get the consumer watchdog involved amid reports the kits have doubled in price as stock disappears from shelves.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in which he announced national cabinet would convene on Thursday, the prime minister, Scott Morrison, pushed back against calls from unions and business groups for the commonwealth to source and distribute rapid tests for free to people across the nation.

With some Australians waiting several hours to get a free PCR test and several days to get the result, demand for rapid antigen tests has grown dramatically and prices have risen in turn.

Some consumers claimed one retailer appeared to be selling the same five-test kit online for $90 on Wednesday, up from about $45 last week.

Asked if was there anything to stop retailers gouging prices, Morrison appeared to suggest the consumer watchdog could address the issue.

Some manufacturers warned in October, a month before rapid tests became available in chemists, that Australia was likely to face price hikes due to a supply crunch.

The Pharmacy Guild also said this week that limited supply and supply chain costs could lead to higher prices for consumers.