Protecting consumers
In the endeavor to protect the consumers, the Government ensured that importers, distributors and retailers do not bear the brunt of this measure. As a result, this Government is providing a subsidy to the importers and distributors through the Mauritius Revenue Authority. This price control measure is estimated to cost around Rs 500 million and is fully funded by Government.
Officers of the Consumer Affairs Unit of my Ministry are effecting daily visits to trade premises and are inspecting supermarkets, hypermarkets, shops and warehouses. The products under price control are available on the local market and no shortage is foreseen.
In addition, the MRA has also made arrangements for any licensed retailer who still had in his possession a remaining stock of the seven commodities as at 12 July 2021 to apply for the subsidy only for the month of July 2021. As at 29 July 2021, 14 eligible traders have been registered under this scheme.With respect to payment of subsidy, the eligible traders shall be able to make their applications as from 2 August 2021.
The Consumer Affairs Unit has effected 1,435 visits and issued a total of 119 contraventions as at 29 July 2021. These contraventions include offences where traders did not properly affix the prices of products and where they were practicing a price which is higher than that fixed by my Ministry. No case of hoarding has been found and therefore no trader has been contravened for same.