Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-04-19 15:11:37
Some 500 bags of rice have been seized and several shops have been closed in Yaoundé by the Center Regional Delegation of trade for overpricing the staple. The purpose of this measure is to ensure that traders adhere to the new rice prices set by the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.
After negotiations with importers, Minister Atangana recently introduced new prices for rice sold in the country. In order to enforce these measures, a regional fraud and repression brigade was established to monitor traders engaged in exploitative practices.
The Ministry stated that the goal is to guarantee the implementation of the new rice prices, which were the result of difficult negotiations with industry operators, and the introduction of the first shipments from the special quota of 190,000 metric tons negotiated with the Indian government.
Despite the revised prices that were put in place on April 11, 2024, some traders attempted to bypass these measures by claiming the need to sell off their existing stocks. However, the Ministry of Commerce remained resolute in its determination to enforce compliance.
During a recent operation in markets in Yaounde, the commerce delegation confiscated over 500 bags of rice and shut down numerous shops to send a clear message to offenders. Alain Romuald Nama, the Centre Regional Delegate of Commerce, emphasized that this seizure highlights the commitment of enforcement teams to crack down on non-compliance with official prices.
Nama mentioned that in these times of soaring inflation, the government aims to alleviate the impact on consumers by reducing the prices of essential goods. Minister Atangana has promised to continue crackdowns on businesses that do not comply with the new prices and encouraged citizens to report price manipulation by calling 1502.
In an effort to stabilize rice prices, Cameroon negotiated the import of 190,000 metric tons of rice with the Indian government. As a result, the Ministry of Commerce established new prices for different types of rice in cities like Yaounde and Douala.
Despite these measures, some traders continue to exploit consumers by selling old stock at inflated prices. The Ministry of Trade has provided the new prices of rice set for various types, as seen in the images provided.
Overall, the government is committed to ensuring fair pricing of staple goods and cracking down on those who try to take advantage of consumers. The Ministry of Commerce will continue to enforce compliance with the new prices to protect consumers in Cameroon.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
