The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) yesterday called upon the public not to buy goods from retailers who fail to display price lists.
The Authority has said that the public should support its efforts to check unfair trade practices and protect consumers from exploitation, a CAA spokesman said.
“We urge the public to help our mission to combat unscrupulous businessmen who seek undue profit from consumers. Avoid patronising trade establishments that do not clearly display price tags on their products. If you come across such places, report them to us so that we can take appropriate action,” he said.
CAA sources said that of the legal action taken against businessmen, both wholesale and retail, 30 percent of them have been due to violations on failing to display prices on products.
The Authority filed about 24,000 legal cases for this offence last year,” the CAA spokesman said.
The CAA top brass expressed concern over reports of some retailers charging exorbitant prices from tourists. “It has been brought to our attention that certain businessmen are overcharging tourists, saying that these prices are specifically for foreigners,” a senior CAA official said.
This matter attracted the attention of the CAA recently when a Belgian tourist was charged Rs 800 for a ulundu wade and a cup of plain tea at a Kalutara Indian food café. Such practices are unacceptable, particularly at general stores, shops, and supermarkets.
The CAA spokesman said that dual pricing for locals and foreigners is not part of the country’s retail culture. However, exceptions may exist for tourist attractions where special pricing covers maintenance fees due to income disparities between locals and foreigners.
When asked as to why the authorities need public support to address overpricing when they have the power to raid establishments and apprehend dishonest traders, CAA officials said that not long ago, when they set a maximum retail price for Keeri Samba, retail businessmen concealed the product.
“Consumers then bought Keeri Samba from these retailers at inflated prices, rendering our efforts ineffective,” they said.
“We operate with limited staff, but if consumers boycott traders who do not display prices, we believe the situation will improve,” a CAA official said. “Competition will naturally lead to lower prices.”
Violators face penalties ranging from fines of Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 100,000 and imprisonment up to six months. The CAA vows to take tough action against businesses that fail to comply with price display regulations.
