The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has noted that price gouging for essential products is a “significant public concern at this time”.
According to the watchdog, it will be prioritising its activities in relation to this conduct, even though the practice is “generally not illegal”.
However, if a business makes misleading claims about the reason for price increases, it could be in breach of Australian Consumer Law.
In addition, it’s also possible that extreme price gouging for essential products may amount to unconscionable conduct, the ACCC flagged.
The statement from the watchdog outlined that it will “continue to focus on affordability issues in sectors such as energy, communications and petrol”.
To do this, it will draw attention to the sectors where it considers excessive pricing to be in effect, “and where necessary will identify businesses engaging in conduct of this kind”.
“The ACCC recognises that affordability of essential services is particularly critical at a time of growing unemployment,” it said.
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