Consumers urged to report price gouging

The Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SATT) has taken note of reports of delinquent establishments engaging in price gouging.

In a statement, President Rajiv Diptee advised consumers to report any instances of price gouging to the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

He reminded the public that not all supermarkets are members of SATT.

Among SATT membership, he assured, fair, competitive pricing can be expected.

Diptee stated: “It is well documented that the supermarket sector in Trinidad and Tobago boasts one of the most robust and competitive sectors both in the Caribbean and Latin America.

This level of saturation creates a high level of competition among leading household brand name supermarkets who themselves are competing for the attention of the customers nationwide. As such, this provides checks and balances where predatory pricing is concerned.

This results in an environment where deals, specials and promotions are a common draw for customers looking to maximise their budget.”

The SATT President continued: “In an industry this competitive, it simply does not allow for price gouging to occur when consumers have so many options for their shopping needs.

Furthermore, the issue of price gouging exists when demand is high and supply is limited. The act of charging customers exorbitant prices for goods beyond reason is an unscrupulous practice and one that is treated harshly under the auspices of the Association.”

“As a result, delinquent supermarkets engaged in any ill savory practices such as price gouging do not fall under SATT. Consumers who feel victimized by such practices are urged to report their experiences to the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Trade and Industry,” Diptee concluded.