Sales of gas masks have increased by nearly 15 per cent in Bahrain in the last two months amid escalating street violence.

Companies have been bombarded with calls from customers inquiring about the availability of masks.

However, they said they only sell masks to industrial companies and not to private customers.

A Kooheji Industrial Safety Company spokesman said their sales had increased by 10 to 15 per cent.

Bulk

'Lots of customers are asking for masks and the sales had increased by 10pc to 15pc within these two months,' said the spokesman.

'We have industries which are ordering masks in bulk for their employees,' he added. 'We also have individuals asking for it.

'But we are only selling industrial masks used for protection from chemicals, paint and dust,' he added.

Meanwhile, Alpha Fire Services managing director Frank Ryde said he receives four to five calls daily from customers asking about masks.

'I get four to five calls per day from customers asking for masks,' said Ryde. 'Many people think we work for a fire services company so we may have these masks, but we don't.' – TradeArabia News Service