Steps taken against a gasoline station and supermarkets for surpassing maximum prices (see related stories) should have a reassuring effect on local consumers. The impression often exists that these limits are widely ignored as the cost of living continues to rise.
The pump in question was selling gasoline and diesel fuel for close to 10 Netherlands Antillean guilder cents per litre more than allowed. This is about what the recent fuel tariffs reduction amounted to.
Three grocery stores were found guilty of violating the maximum price regulation for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season with four products. In the case of Jif peanut butter the difference was even NAf. 1.35.
All businesses involved were each fined NAf. 250 by the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA). That may not seem like very much, but publishing the infringements can also be seen as a “name and shame” penalty.
The so-called basket of basic goods under maximum price control was significantly expanded last year to battle inflation and especially its impact on low income households. This did not go without hiccups, but in the end agreement was reached with importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
If entrepreneurs feel prices are too low they can either stop selling the product or approach government to justify their claim. Simply disregarding the rates set is not only illegal but immoral.
This once again shows that laws without enforcement are not worth the paper they were written on. Lacking such tends to make them toothless tigers.
