GEORGE NEWS - George residents have recently been confronted by a steep increase in the prices of essential goods after the start of lockdown.

On a Facebook post asking residents about their experiences, many confirmed that they have fallen victim to some form of exploitation in certain grocery stores since 26 March.

Complaints ranged from overpriced bananas, paying R30 for a loaf of white bread, R34 for a cucumber or a green pepper and nearly R23 for two oranges, to paying double for LPG gas and medical supplies.

According to a press release issued by the Garden Route District Municipality, the Multi-Agency Command Centre urges retailers in the district to adhere to the regulations published by the national minister or face severe penalties.

Penalties include a fine to the value of 10% of the store / business' annual turnover for a first offence and 25% of the annual turnover for a repeated offence. Further to this, directors of such companies who engage in illegal price hikes could face 10 years in prison.

The National Minister of Trade and Industry and Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, recently gazetted regulations in terms of the Competition Act and Disaster Management Act that aim to strengthen the ability of the National Consumer Commission to respond to exploitative pricing. 

These regulations empower the commission to prosecute cases where prices have increased materially without any cost justifications for the increase. 

All businesses / retailers within the Garden Route district are asked to adhere to these regulations to ensure that the residents / consumers of the district are treated and served fairly.

Consumers are asked to phone 0800 014 880 with any concerns.

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