Government Warns Against Price Gouging Amid Hurricane Preparations

As Belizeans flock to the stores to purchase canned goods and batteries, they are noticing a sudden increase in the price of certain goods, referred to as price gouging. Yesterday, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a release stating that several businesses have begun to engage in this illegal act. The government says unscrupulous shopkeepers and hardware store owners are reportedly raising the prices of their goods amidst the storm’s arrival. National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez spoke on the issue and encouraged citizens to report any instance found at their local grocery store. 

Captain Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO: “it’s really important to keep an eye on this. We know there’s potential for this to happen. Like you said, it’s something that needs to be policed and it’s something that we will, the government really will have to keep an eye on to ensure that we’re protecting people so there’s no advantage being taken off as we as a country start to make those preparations. And so whenever we find that out, of course, that will the information that needs to be taken up to the necessary channels for action.”

You can report cases of price gouging to the Supplies Control Unit or NEMO.