Excessive Prices of Garlic and Ginger Leads to Investigation in SA

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched an investigation into allegations of price gouging in South Africa, relating to garlic and ginger.

What is price gouging?

“The law defines price gouging as an unfair or unreasonable price increase that does not correspond to or is not equivalent to the increase in the cost of providing that good or service,” the NCC said on Wednesday.

The investigation follows an outcry by consumers carried in the media, including social media platforms, regarding alleged excessive prices of both products by various suppliers.

Suppliers may not charge unfair prices for essential products

According to consumer protection regulations in SA, there are 22 essential products for which a supplier may not charge unfair or unreasonable prices.

“This was done to protect consumers against unconscionable, unfair, unreasonable, unjust or improper commercial practises during the national disaster,” the NCC said.

Due to the public outcry, the NCC has initiated an investigation.

“The purpose of the Consumer Protection Act is, amongst others, to reduce and ameliorate any disadvantages experienced in accessing any supply of goods or services by consumers,” said Acting Consumer Commissioner Thezi Mabuza.

Investigations into the following companies have begun:

• Food Lovers Market;
• Spar Group;
• Pick n Pay;
• Shoprite Group;
• Boxer Superstores;
• Cambridge Foods and
• Woolworths

“Our investigation is not limited to these suppliers. We urge consumers throughout the country to monitor the market and where they suspect excessive price increase, they must file complaints with the commission.

“These allegations, if proven true, would constitute a violation of Regulation 350 and an imposition fine of up to R1000 000 or up to 10% of a supplier’s annual turnover or even imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months,” Mabuza said.

Consumers are urged to lodge complaints by contacting the NCC at 0800 014 880 or 012 428 7000 during office hours. – SAnews.gov.za