Cautionary Notice to Retailers in Healthcare and Hygiene Sector

1.    The Commission, through complaints and the general public, learned that some retailers of healthcare and hygiene products, including distributors, pharmacies and supermarkets, have artificially hiked prices for essential products in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Competition Act No. 2 of 2003, prohibits acts of excessive pricing and collusive behaviour through price-fixing by retailers and suppliers. Penalties for such conduct are severe and may attract a fine of 10% of turnover. All retailers of these essential products are therefore warned against exploiting consumers through artificially inflated prices. The Commission further urges consumers to, during this period of national crisis, immediately report to the Commission any unusual increase in prices by suppliers and retailers.