Unethical Pricing Along Highways Raises Concern in Parliament

Congress leader Hibi Eden has raised concerns in Parliament over unethical pricing practices by shops on isolated highways. He questioned the government about allegations that these shops exploit travellers by charging inflated prices. Minister B L Verma responded citing rules and mechanisms to address such grievances.

Congress leader Hibi Eden on Wednesday raised alarms over unethical pricing practices reported by shops along isolated highways.

In his written question, the Lok Sabha MP from Ernakulam, Kerala, questioned the government on allegations that these establishments exploit travellers by enforcing inflated prices due to limited purchasing options.

Eden inquired if specific guidelines or regulations exist to prevent this exploitation and protect consumer rights on highways.

In response, B L Verma, the Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs, noted Rule 18 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which prohibits any retailer from selling packaged commodities at prices above their retail sale price.

Verma further indicated that penalties are in place for violations and that consumer grievances can be filed through the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM), a central IT-enabled portal accessible through WhatsApp, SMS, email, and mobile applications like NCH and Umang.

(With inputs from agencies.)