Clampdown on shops exploiting customers amid coronavirus pandemic

Shops which hike their prices and exploit customers amid the coronavirus outbreak will be clamped down on by the competition watchdog.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said an increasing number of firms were using the pandemic by "charging excessive prices or making misleading claims about their products".

It said it has already contacted traders and platforms over excessive pricing of hand sanitiser as part of its efforts.

Shoppers have also shared photos on social media of stores which have raised the price of toilet roll and others goods as consumers begin to stockpile.

Angry customers have also been confronting shops and pharmacies who have raised the price of goods in the past few days. Photos show toilet roll being sold for £11.99, while hand santiser was on sale for £24.99.

The CMA has now launched a “taskforce” to deal specifically with inquiries related to the pandemic.

It added it will be able to take enforcement action or seek emergency powers if there is evidence that firms may have breached competition or consumer protection law and fail to respond to warnings.

Toilet roll being sold for £11.99 in one store.

The taskforce will also scrutinise market developments to identify harmful sales and pricing practices.

CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli said: “This is obviously a time when we all have to behave responsibly to protect our fellow citizens, and particularly those who are most vulnerable.

“We urge retailers to behave responsibly in the exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“But if they do not, our taskforce is monitoring market developments to enable us to intervene as quickly as possible.”

The CMA has now launched a 'taskforce' to deal specifically with inquiries related to the pandemic. Credit: PA

Andrew Tyrie, the CMA’s chairman, said: “The intervention in the economy necessitated by public health policy may have a substantial impact on competition, with the risk of an increase in consumer detriment. That’s why this taskforce is needed.

“The CMA is already mitigating some of these risks using existing powers.”

Despite the outbreak, the CMA said it will continue to progress with cases, make decisions and meet deadlines regarding ongoing work with adjustments such as increased working from home.

On Thursday, the CMA also announced that competition laws will be temporarily relaxed to allow supermarkets to collaborate in feeding the nation during the crisis.

If you see any evidence of excessive pricing, get in touch at: consumerdesk@itn.co.uk

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