Govt Threatens To Revoke Licences For Businesses Charging In Foreign Currency, Raising Prices

The government has threatened to go after all businesses which are charging for products in foreign currency only and those which have raised prices. Vice President Kembo Mohadi said that the government will revoke all operators’ licences for all businesses found to have hiked prices or which are demanding foreign currency up front in what seems to be a return of price controls. The Vice President also said that price monitors will be on the lookout for all businesses engaged in “untoward” trading practices.

Addressing the media in the Cabinet Room at the Munhumutapa Offices, Mohadi said

…Anyone pricing above these regulated fuel prices is doing so illegally. Price monitors are on the ground monitoring the situation. All those caught selling fuel at prices not approved by Zera (Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority) and those service stations either demanding payment in hard currency or engaging in other untoward trading practices will have their licenses revoked…

The Vice President also applauded major supermarkets for maintaining the prices of basic commodities and warned that the same conditions would apply to the food sector. He went on to promise that foreign currency will be released to allow the pharmaceutical sector to import medication. The sector had warned that it had run out of some essential drugs and was finding it difficult to restock.

Mohadi was flanked by Local Government Minister July Moyo, Health Minister Obadiah Moyo and Environmental Minister Priscilla Mupfumira.