Which? response to joint letter from the CMA and the General Pharmaceutical Council on pricing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection at Which?, said:

“Which? has repeatedly exposed unscrupulous sellers for selling essential items, including hand sanitiser, at hugely inflated prices since the beginning of this pandemic – and pharmacies are among the businesses that have been reported to us by consumers.

“No-one should be allowed to get away with this, so it is positive to see concerns being raised by the regulator and industry and that the CMA is taking action to investigate businesses suspected of exploiting consumers.

“The government should be making it easier for the CMA, however, by bringing in new emergency legislation that will allow it to take swifter action to stamp out price gouging and ensure the price of essential items stay reasonable during crises.”

Statement