The Private Sector Commission (PSC) said that it condemns all acts of price gouging by businesses vending necessities needed to combat the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
The condemnation comes at a time when Guyanese are flocking stores countrywide to procure items such as hand-sanitizers, disinfectant sprays, wipes, facemasks and gloves. Consumers were seen queuing up at several pharmacies this morning. Persons were also seen wearing face masks and gloves as they traversed city streets. Taxi drivers are also taking precautions, as many were seen at the Car Park in the Stabroek Square donning gloves and face masks.
This instant demand for such items has now led to some local retailers increasing their prices – in some instances – by 100%, the Guyana Standard confirmed.
Even as this continues in and around the Capital, the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (GC&CAC) can do nothing about it.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Allison Parker, the agency is not authorised to intervene in cases of ‘price-gouging’; noting that the laws does not cater for such an occurrence, and remedies for same. There are, however, provisions that address the issue of ‘price-fixing’ – which is not what is occurring now.
The PSC is also appealing to persons to fully utilize the Ministry of Public Health’s 24-hour hotline number (227-4986/592-624-3067) for reporting suspected cases.
Finally, the PSC urges all persons to desist from peddling misinformation and propagating fake news to incite unfounded panic.
“It is important to always be mindful and check first with official channels before sharing posts via the various media avenues,” the PSC advised.
