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Competition Commission flooded with excessive pricing complaints

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The Competition Commission says it has been flooded with complaints of excessive pricing by retailers since the announcement of the national lockdown.

Over 500 cases have been reported, however, half of them fall outside the Competition Act.

Most of the complaints relate to hand sanitisers and face masks, followed by toilet paper, flu medication and other products.

The Commission has issued over 100 letters to national retailers, suppliers and independent retailers.  In some instances, the price increases are explained as the difference between December/January promotional pricing, and the pricing reverting back to normal in February, coinciding with the pandemic.

There are however instances where price increases are not justified, and the Commission will pursue enforcement.

The commission has warned retailers to stick to the regulations or face harsh penalties.

In the video below a few weeks ago, the public was urged to report inflated prices

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