The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) yesterday expressed concern over the artificial price hike of certain essential consumer goods such as big onions, dhal, potatoes, wheat flour and red onions currently being done by unscrupulous traders and warned all traders to display the CAA approved price list of goods in front of the business premises for the benefit of consumers especially during this New Year period.
According to CAA a price list mentioning the existing prices of main consumer goods is released every week.
Speaking to the Daily News CAA Consumer Affairs and Information Director Asela Bandara said a sea of complaints on artificial price increases have been received by the CAA during the last few days and all traders should adhere to the actual prices of the consumer items already announced.
He said at the time when the Government has reduced the import taxes on certain goods it is the duty of traders to pass that benefit to consumers.
He further said although the prices of such goods could be sold at lower prices unscrupulous traders are in the habit of selling them at exorbitant prices to get high profits.
Director Bandara also said the display of price lists of consumer items is important not only to the benefit of consumers but to the CAA flying squad officials who frequently visit business places to crack down offenders.
Meanwhile traders in the Pettah market request the Government to stop importing varieties of substandard big onions as consumers have completely refrained from buying such varieties of big onions.
Ananda Kannangara