BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 20th 2009 (SKNIS) - The Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints from consumers that many supermarkets and shops particularly in the rural areas are selling the products purchased from the Supply Office Warehouse at prices above the legally mandated prices.

Owners of shops and supermarkets should note that the Government has set margins on these products at a level that would ensure that the products are affordable to low income earners and at the same time allow resellers to make a fair return.

The Department has stepped up its surveillance on supermarkets and shops particularly in the rural areas to ensure that rice, flour, milk and sugar are sold at the legally mandated prices.

The general public should therefore note the following prices:
Items          Basseterre                  Rural Areas  
Flour           $1.38 per pound          $1.43 per pound
Rice            $1.74 per pound          $1.79 per pound
Sugar          $0.90 per pound          $0.95 per pound
Milk             $2.00 per tin               $2.05 per tin

The Department is urging business establishments to adhere to government pricing structure.  Legal action will be taken against those businesses that fail to comply.  The sanction for each item sold above the legal limit is $500 per item or imprisonment for three (3) months or both.

Consumers are urged to report any instance of overpricing to the Consumer Affairs Department at 467-1550 or 467-1641.