Coronavirus: Consumer Protection Council Warns Against Hike In Prices Of Hand Sanitisers

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) bemoaned the arbitrary increase in the prices of protective face masks and latex gloves.

Prices of hand sanitisers have skyrocketed from under N500 to between N4,500 to N19,000 following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Mr Babatunde Irukera, the Chief Executive Officer of the commission, in Abuja, over the weekend, described the arbitrary increase as “obnoxious trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.”

Part of the statement reads;

“It has come to the attention of the FCCPC that certain suppliers and retailers are taking undue advantage of citizens and engaging in unconscionable trade practices with respect to basic safety and protective apparel.

“They include face masks and latex gloves, as well as personal hygiene products like sanitisers and anti-bacterial wipes because these products are relevant and necessary in preventing infection or spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Abusing citizens’ sensitivity, apprehension, anxiety, and vulnerability, especially during emergencies that could adversely affect national security is a violation of the law.

“Specifically, section 17(s) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) prohibits “obnoxious trade practices”, or the “unscrupulous exploitation of consumers”.

“Any conspiracy, combination, agreement or arrangement to unduly limit or manipulate supply, in order to unreasonably enhance price or otherwise restrain competition is a criminal offence under section 108 (1)(b) and (c), FCCPA.

“Any exercise or exploitation of undue pressure in selling or the sale of goods or services, or price manipulation between displayed, and selling price are also serious violations of the FCCPA under sections 115(3) and 124(1).

“Taking advantage of the possibility of infection by a dangerous communicable disease to control supply, or unilaterally increase prices is predatory as it preys on the desperation of citizens.”

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