Calls have been made for the UK Government to tackle price hikes of essential items online during the COVID-19 crisis.
SNP MP for Midlothian Owen Thompson has said tougher action should be taken to control what third-party sellers can charge.
It comes as new research reports excessive prices being charged online for items like cleaning products and baby formula.
The consumer rights group Which? found examples of a 1000 per cent increase on the typical price on some products, including Dettol cleaning spray.
And Which? have now launched an online advice page to help shoppers spot and report price gouging online.
Their website says they found a 250ml bottle of Carex hand wash, which normally costs around £1, priced for more than £10 on Amazon and eBay.
The SNP's Owen Thompson welcomed the app, saying stronger regulations are required to enable the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate and take more effective action to tackle the issue.
He said: “Making excessive profits on high demand products during a global health crisis is disgraceful. I’ve heard too many reports of sellers charging ridiculous prices for things like cleaning spray since the crisis began.
“Many vulnerable people may feel they have no choice but to stump up, while others go without. It could prevent charities and keyworkers accessing the products they need – and could ultimately cost lives. Stronger action is needed to stop this kind of unscrupulous practice.
“I welcome the launch from the consumer champions Which? of a tool to help people more easily report coronavirus profiteering and would urge constituents to report any incidences they come across.
“I am urging the big online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay to do more to monitor what their sellers are charging and take action when bad practice is found.
“There is still a lack of existing legislation to protect from price gouging, however, and this is something that needs tackled. The UK government must take the necessary steps to give Competition and Markets Authority the powers it needs to investigate and take stronger action on this. That way we can protect people now and in any future emergency by keeping prices reasonable
