Shopkeepers warned on overpricing of Supply Office items

ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 27TH 2010 (CUOPM) – The Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is threatening legal action against shop keepers who sell rice, flour, milk and sugar purchased from the Supply Office above the legally mandated prices.

A statement from the Department of Consumer Affairs over the weekend said it has received numerous complaints from consumers that several supermarkets and shops, particularly in the rural areas, are selling the products at higher prices than those outlined by Government.

“The general public is reminded that flour is to be sold at EC$1.25 per pound in Basseterre and EC$1.30 per pound in the rural areas; rice is to be sold at EC$1.74 per pound in Basseterre and EC$1.79 per pound in the rural areas; sugar is to be sold at EC$0.90 per pound in Basseterre and EC$0.95 per pound in the rural areas; a large tin of Bonle Evaporated Milk should sell at EC$2.07 in Basseterre and EC$2.12 in the rural areas, while a small tin of Bonle Evaporated Milk should sell at EC$1.00 in Basseterre and EC$1.05 in the rural areas,” said the statement.

It warned that owners of establishments that fail to comply will have to pay a fine of $500 per item or imprisonment for three (3) months or both. Consumers have been encouraged to report instances of overpricing to the Consumer Affairs Department at 467-1550.