Consumer Affairs Authority has begun emergency raids to nab the traders and groceries, selling essential foodstuffs at higher rates.
According to the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishard Bathiudeen the legal actions would be taken against the offenders identified by the raids.
Price control on 16 essential food items became necessary because certain traders resorted to levy the Value Added Tax (VAT) even on items that were not included in the VAT tax category. In doing so the Cost of Living Committee also took into consideration the cost of importing and the profit of businessmen. What has been fixed is a maximum retail price and it is possible to sell these items at a lower price due to Competition, minister Bathiudeen added.
According to the Director General of the CAA A.K.D.D.D.Arandara, about 200 investigation officers have been deployed to carry out the raids island-wide. These officers have been attached to the district secretariats. In addition, the CAA Head Office will also conduct raids in their capacity.
Complaints on traders or stalls selling essential items above the controlled prices could be made through 1977 hotline.