adminBulawayo Bureau
UNSCRUPULOUS retailers are ripping off customers through unilateral price increases at a time when manufactures have not made any upward adjustments.
Most of the retailers reviewed prices upwards last month after social media messages sent consumers into panic mode through a false warning of an impending shortage of basic commodities.
The situation normalised within a few days after the Government assured the public that there was no shortage of basic goods.
But some retail outlets are selling two litres of cooking oil at between US$4,50 and US$5; up from an average of US$3,70.
Oil Expressers’ Association of Zimbabwe (OEAZ) chair Mr Busisa Moyo exposed the retailers, revealing that manufacturers had not increased prices.
“Manufacturers are still selling oil to the traders at under US$3,40 per 2 litres, including delivery. The Oil Expressers Association of Zimbabwe has encouraged members and the distribution chain (wholesalers and retailers), to exercise restraint on price increases,” he said.
Sugar producer Tongaat Hulett is still selling a box of 20 kilogrammes of the commodity for US$17.
“We never increased prices of the commodity,” said a salesperson at the company. However, some retailers are selling 2kgs of sugar at US$2,65; up from US$1,80.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu said: “We have engaged Government to ensure that the situation normalises. Some retailers have a multi-tier pricing system, different prices for cash and plastic money purchases. That should stop,” he said.
“Some manufacturers are causing shortages by holding on to stock. This leads to price hikes as laws of supply and demand apply. There are reports that some cooking oil producers are supplying to a select few,” he said.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Matabeleland president Mr Joseph Gund, condemned profiteering by some retailers.
“This is exploitation of the ordinary consumer in the street. Something must be done to change the situation,” he said.
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Mike Bimha said a task force was checking the prices of goods. “The task force is looking at that. Once they are done with the exercise, we will decide on the way forward,” Dr Bimha said. The President has also condemned the unjustified price increases. A snap survey conducted by our Bulawayo Bureau last week showed that prices of some basic commodities have been reviewed upwards by 50 percent since last month.
A 20kg bag of mealie-meal which was selling for US$11,99 has gone up to between US$13 and US$14 while washing powder which used to cost US$4,80 for a 2kg packet now costs US$7,15.
The price for bath soap has been increased from US$1,20 to US$2 per tablet. A 100ml tube of toothpaste now sells for US$1,65 up from US$1,05.
Online Reporter