ZERO TOLERANCE FOR PRICE GOUGING

The Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology (with Energy) – MCST, the Honourable Phillip Paulwell has instructed the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) to provide strictest surveillance within the market place and report to him any verified instances of price gouging.

On Monday September 15, Minister Paulwell had already indicated that the CAC along with the Bureau of Standards Jamaica would increase the level of surveillance and vigilance regarding the monitoring of prices of essential food items to ensure that there was no exploitation within the market place.

In addition to the food items, this second volley now includes the following items:

• Kerosene Oil
• Building Lumber
• Lart
• Tarpaulin
• Zinc and other roofing material
• Batteries
• Flash Lights
• Lanterns
• Household Bleach
• Bathing Soap
• Exercise Books
• Pens and Pencils

This has come in light of numerous reports from members of the public and some retailers of price gouging, tied sales (marrying of goods) and other exploitative and abnormal market activities.

Persons are being encouraged to make use of the newly created hotline facilities at the MCST to report any concerns regarding these or other similar matters.
In addition to the usual numbers persons may reach our officers at: -

• 929-0033
• 929-0034
• 929-0035
• 929-0050
• 929-0051

Persons found to be guilty of these activities will be exposed and will face the FULL EFFECTS as prescribed under ALL relevant and applicable laws.