SOME unscrupulous manufacturers are reportedly selling goods that are below the prescribed weight and volume, prompting government to issue a strong warning against them, NewsDay Business can report.
The move, which prejudices consumers, was discovered by government.
“It has also come to our attention that some suppliers of basic commodities have been observed demanding payment exclusively in foreign currency for certain basic commodities in violation of the dual currency pricing system adopted by the government,” Industry minister Sekai Nzenza said in a statement yesterday following nationwide price hikes.
“Furthermore, a few manufacturers of basic goods have been observed selling goods that are below the prescribed weight and volume and corrective action will always be taken to protect consumers.”
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Denford Mutashu said: “CZR calls for a wider scale inter-agency investigation into such nefarious activities and uproot the perpetrators with a view to ban their operations or alternatively impose a heavy deterrent fine.
“This should be extended to companies accessing foreign currency on the auction market and abusing it.”
Nzenza also said government held frank and fruitful engagements with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of basic commodities over the past week in a bid to find a lasting solution to the price hikes.
She said her ministry was mandated with safeguarding and promoting consumer welfare in the economy.
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“Following the observed spike in prices of basic commodities, the ministry has held frank and fruitful engagements with manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of basic commodities over the past week in a bid to find a lasting solution to the observed matter,” Nzenza said.
“All stakeholders concerned are being engaged and are committed to finding a lasting solution to this situation.”
She assured the public that there were no shortages of basic commodities in the economy, adding that her ministry, in liaison with relevant arms of government, would continue to advocate for the availability of foreign currency to productive sectors of the economy and to achieve macro-economic stability.
“We also assure the private sector that issues brought forward in our engagements are being attended to for the benefit of the consumers,” she said.
Over the past few weeks, the Zimbabwe dollar has fallen by more than 50% to $2 700, against the United States dollar, as the local currency continues to lose steam.
As a result, businesses have significantly raised the price of goods and services to match the falling Zimbabwe dollar and in some cases have shunned selling their goods in the local currency.
