Since Guyana’s first case of the coronavirus was announced, a number of pharmacies and other businesses have significantly increased the prices for those items that are to be used for preventative measures.
At some pharmacies and supermarkets, the cost for disinfectants and hand sanitizers have been increased by more than 200% over the past 24hrs.
Several persons rushed to social media with their complaints about the price gouging.
The Guyana Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission in a statement said it has received several complaints.
The Commission said while the Commission has no legal standing to regulate market prices, it wishes to use moral suasion in its appeal to suppliers to revert to the common prices for the items they are now gouging on.
The organisation said it is morally wrong to take advantage of consumers during any national emergency or a possible public health crisis.
The Private Sector Commission in a separate statement said it too has received complaints about the price gouging.
The PSC said as the threat of the coronavirus induces panic among the general populace, the Private Sector Commission is dismayed at the reports of businesses inflating the prices of necessities needed to combat the Coronavirus Disease.
The PSC said it condemns all acts of price gouging by businesses and is urging all persons to desist from peddling misinformation on the issue.
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