Probe to be conducted amid reports of food price gouging

By Halshane Burke 

  

A probe is to be undertaken into reports of price gouging of agricultural produce.

 

It comes on the heels of multiple reports of rising food prices due to a shortage following Hurricane Beryl.

 

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says despite approval for the importation of certain fruits and vegetables, traders are still hiking prices.

 

"The reason why we allow traders to access external markets is to ensure that we have adequate supply. From our perspective, we know what should be the regular price for a number of our agricultural products. But I am concerned that our traders are not passing on savings to our consumers," he disclosed, adding that he does not want a situation people are "taking advantage of this challenging time by unfairly raising their prices".  

 

The minister said he has raised the matter with the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce who has asked the Consumer Affairs Commission to conduct an investigation.