The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has disclosed that it has launched investigations against five chain stores for various offences that relate to the sale of sugar since January this year.

In a statement issued by the Commission`s Executive Director Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma the alleged offences include hoarding of sugar with an intention to sell at higher prices, charging higher prices for sugar while issuing lower valued receipts and charging exorbitant prices for the product.

Said Nkhoma: “CFTC has noted with concern reports regarding the conduct by some traders who are tying the sale of sugar to the purchase of other goods from the respective shops.

“CFTC would like to emphasize that selling goods conditional upon the purchase of other goods or services is a violation of Section 32(2) (d) of the Competition and Fair-Trading Act (CFTA). This conduct is also unreasonable and unconscionable and is, therefore, a violation of section 43 (1) (g) of the CFTA.”

Nkhoma has warned that the CFTC will take to task anyone found engaging in the malpractice and people in the country are also encouraged to report such misconducts to the Commission.

“CFTC is once again encouraging the general public to be very proactive in reporting any possible violations including the above-mentioned malpractices through the 2489 toll-free line and WhatsApp on +265 987 738 749,” said Nkhoma.

Since the scarcity of sugar in the country, Malawians have witnessed the price skyrocketing of the product as others are retailing the 1 kilogramme pack at K2, 500.