Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-03-20 03:00:39
The Association of Consumers of Mauritius (ACIM) conducted a survey of vegetable prices at various points of sale, as well as at the Wholesale Market in Wooton. This is the second exercise of its kind which has revealed significant price disparities in the market. ACIM has sent a letter to the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to denounce abuses and demand action.
Last month, after the bad weather and the soaring prices of vegetables, ACIM conducted a comparison study in the market. Prices were recorded at the Wholesale Market, various markets and fairs, as well as supermarkets. This first exercise showed a significant difference in prices, particularly by certain supermarkets and markets, compared to wholesale prices.
One month later, the same approach was carried out at various points of sale and the findings were similar. For example, on March 13th, chouchou (chayote) was selling for Rs 50 per half kilo at Wooton. At the Quatre-Bornes market, the price ranged between Rs 40 and Rs 70. At Intermart in Quatre-Bornes, chouchou was priced at Rs 72 for 500g, and at Jumbo in Quatre-Bornes, the price was Rs 89.85. The highest price for chouchou was at Winners in Forest-Side, at Rs 169.85.
A similar observation was made for carrots. Sold for Rs 50 per 500g at the Wholesale Market, carrots were priced between Rs 50 and Rs 70 at the Quatre-Bornes market, Rs 80 at Intermart in Quatre-Bornes, Rs 85 at Jumbo in Quatre-Bornes, and Rs 115.95 at Winners in Forest-Side. Tomatoes were priced at Rs 125 per half kilo at Wooton, between Rs 150, 180 and 190 at the Quatre-Bornes market, Rs 199.50 at Intermart in Quatre-Bornes, Rs 200 at Jumbo in Quatre-Bornes, and Rs 215.95 at Winners in Forest-Side.
In a letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Jayen Chellum, secretary of ACIM, highlighted the disparity between wholesale and retail prices. He emphasized that high vegetable prices cannot be justified by factors such as climatic conditions, increased fuel and fertilizer costs, especially when comparing wholesale prices to retail prices in markets and supermarkets.
He also pointed out that some markets fall under the responsibility of local authorities. Jayen Chellum drew attention to the improper price display in some businesses, stating that consumer’s right to information is one of the main consumer rights and should be upheld.
Jayen Chellum cited examples such as the use of colored markers, which are not very visible on cardboard, or very small characters that make it difficult for consumers to read the displayed prices. He called on the ministry to take action and enforce the law in all markets and points of sale, demanding penalties for those who do not respect consumer rights.
The ACIM secretary deplored the abuses of some merchants who apply exorbitant prices compared to those at the Wholesale Market. Additionally, Jayen Chellum raised concerns about a potential increase in the prices of dried grains and sought explanations from the authorities.
He also requested close monitoring of each product to ensure that Maximum Mark Ups are respected, suggesting a freeze on any potential increase in the prices of dried grains to prevent consumer exploitation by importers.
In conclusion, ACIM urges the Ministry to take necessary actions to protect the rights of consumers and ensure fair pricing in the market for all products.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
