• CCPC is looking into a number of economic sectors for instances of potentially anti-competitive trade practices.
• Not all price hikes are as a result of anti-competitive practices.
• Some price hikes could be a result of inflationary pressure, volatile exchange rate and seasonal goods.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) says it is currently looking into a number of economic sectors on anti-competitive trade practices such as excessive pricing of various products.

Responding to a Press query sent by Money FM News, Commission Senior Public Relations Officer Namukolo Kasumpa said the Commission cannot give out information regarding which sectors or products are currently under investigation at this stage, due to the sensitive nature of some of the investigations being undertaken.

Ms. Kasumpa however noted that not all price hikes are as a result of anti-competitive practices, as some price increments could be a result of inflationary pressure, volatile exchange rate and seasonal goods among others.

“The Commission is currently looking into a number of economic sectors for instances of potentially anti-competitive trade practices such as excessive pricing of various products. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the investigations being undertaken, the Commission cannot divulge which sectors or products are currently under investigation at this stage.”

“It should also be noted, however, that not all price hikes are as a result of anti-competitive practices and that some price hikes could be a result of inflationary pressure, volatile exchange rate and seasonal goods among others,” Ms. Kasumpa stated.

She advised consumers to assist the Commission with information that may aid with its inquiries or investigations.

Ms. Kasumpa’s comment comes in the wake of calls by Zambia Association of Citizen Contractors (ZACCO) and other stakeholders for CCPC to consider extending investigations on price hikes to other producers of products and services following the recent fining of two cement Companies for Price fixing.