Johannesburg - The Competition Commission said on Tuesday it was investigating over
300 complaints against retailers and suppliers for charging
excessive prices for essential products during the coronavirus
outbreak.
The majority of complaints related to hand sanitisers and
face masks, followed by toilet paper, flu medication and other
products, the commission said in a statement.
"The Commission is prioritising those cases against national
retailers and suppliers, and also those cases from complainants
who are essential services professionals, such as doctors,
dentists and policepersons," it said.
It has issued over 100 letters to firms, with varying
responses. Some said the price increases were explained as the
difference between December and January promotional pricing,
with prices reverting back to normal in February at the same
time as the coronavirus outbreak.
There are, however, instances where price increases are not
justified and the Commission will pursue enforcement, it said.
On Friday, Massmart, majority owned by Walmart,
announced a price freeze in all its Makro, Cambridge Food, Game
and Cash & Carry stores for the duration of the nationwide,
21-day lockdown.
"The Commission has also noted with concern the spiralling
prices of agricultural products such as wheat, white maize,
sunflower seeds, carrots, onions and tomatoes," it said, adding it was also probing those hikes with traders and suppliers.
Penalties for excessive pricing include up to 10% of a
company's annual turnover for the first offence and up to 25%
for a repeat offence.