The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated legal action against 135 traders across the country for selling rice at prices higher than the approved rates.
According to the Authority, the traders were charged following raids conducted islandwide over the past month. It added that inspections will continue to identify those selling rice at inflated prices or hoarding stocks.
The CAA emphasized that any trader found guilty of selling rice above the control price could face a fine between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 500,000, imprisonment of up to five months, or both.
In the case of private companies, violations are punishable by fines ranging from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 5 million. For offences involving the hoarding of rice, the Authority also has the power to impose fines, imprisonment, or both, in addition to confiscating the goods under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act.
Furthermore, the CAA stated that for repeat offences, courts are empowered to double the fine and impose imprisonment of up to one year.
Meanwhile, traders have reported a continuing shortage of ‘Kiri Samba’ rice in the market.
