Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has blasted stores that are selling masks at "three times" the price when the swine flu situation in many parts of the country is "grave".

"Three days ago I scurried to buy myself a mask wanting to use it at the airport. Imagine my dismay at learning masks were out of stock at the medical stores but are being sold at three times the cost by some unscrupulous stores, " Shilpa posted on her blog shilpashettylive.com/blog Friday morning.

"It's insane that people could think of capitalising on such grave situations. I finally procured mine from my dentist where I had an appointment yesterday, " she added.

The actress was leaving for the Mumbai airport to catch a flight to New York, where she is a guest at the 'Grand Marshal for the Independence Day Parade', which will happen Sunday.

"Indeed a proud moment, considering the 1st Grand Marshall was Raj Kapoor. It's endearing to know that every year NRIs congregate in huge numbers to celebrate the fact that they are proud Indians. Hope I add to their joy, " she wrote.

The 34-year-old also wished her fans a speedy recovery from the influenza.

"Hope and pray this serious swine flu situation tides away... please take care, prevention is better than cure... take care of your health and for those ill, get well soon, " she posted.