‘Businesses facing up to e0.5m fine for overpricing’ 17 June 2020

The Eswatini Competition Commission has announced that businesses who are increasing prices above normal price escalations during the current pandemic will be charged with contravening the COVID-19 Regulations of 2020 pandemic, and the offences carry a fine not exceeding E500 000. This is according to a statement released by the commission through the print media yesterday. The commission also added that unfair trade practices in the marketing and supply of goods and services is also illegal.

 “The commission would like to bring to the attention of the public that the practice where businesses increase prices above normal price escalations is a contravention of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Regulations of 2020. In addition, engaging in unfair trade practices which includes the use of unscrupulous tactics in connection with the marketing and the supply of goods or services to a consumer is prohibited. These offences carry a fine not exceeding E500 000.00,” reads a part of the statement…The public can report cases of excessive price increase or other trade practices by contacting the commission on their toll free landline (800 10002), email ([email protected]), mobile number (7606 2962), WhatsApp number (7606 2962) as well as the commission’s Facebook and Twitter pages.