Price orders on face masks ‘unacceptable’ – Malta Chamber
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The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry described Government’s move to revert to price orders as unacceptable, and one which creates an “unnecessary dangerous precedent in the wake of reportedly sufficient stocks of protective masks in the country”.
In a statement this morning, The Chamber said that it is sensitive to the needs of its members and consumers at this time of unfortunate hardship on the country so much so that it warned against price hikes and potential abuse on prices of essential products deemed essential in the fight against Covid-19.
The Chamber is aware of the cost of supply from the international markets and the
competition for such essential products to be attracted to Malta. Local suppliers are dependent on such market forces and this must be recognised.
It added that it will strongly oppose price orders issued in times of extraordinary crisis especially when other alternatives available to the Government to support customers and the public at large would have been discounted.
“The Chamber is prepared to consult appropriately with the competent authorities in order to give its views and recommendations on the matter with immediate effect but asks for the draconian measure announced yesterday to be withdrawn,” the statement concluded.
