Reports of price gouging to be investigated - PM

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says a probe is to be undertaken into reports of price gouging. 

 

There have been reports that since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the prices of some goods have skyrocketed. 

 

Dr. Holness says the current directive for price stability is not all encompassing. 

 

"I have sent a note to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment, and we are going to investigate this issue. The only thing is that the order that we have put in place for price gouging is limited. It is not to every single good. It is limited to food items and some essential things. But we will investigate this and ensure that there is enforcement because in a time of disaster, everyone is expected to exercise good discretion in favour of the national recovery," he said. 

 

The Transport Authority has warned operators of public passenger vehicles to desist from overcharging passengers after it received reports of exorbitant fares in the wake of the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

 

The Authority said the demand by some PPV operators for commuters to pay more than the approved fare is illegal and is a clear violation of the rights of commuters. 

 

It said operators who continue to overcharge passengers could have their own licences suspended or revoked.