In response to the coronavirus pandemic, President Adama Barrow of the Gambia has promulgated the Essential Commodities Emergency Power Regulations (2020) to stop retailers from increasing the price of basic commodities
Under these powers, the wholesale and retail prices of all essential commodities will be frozen to the prices they were sold in the open market as at 18th March 2020 and violators are liable to prosecution and a fine of D500,000 and the immediate suspension of their trade licence and its revocation upon conviction.
According to a media statement from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Employment, the essential commodities affected by the regulation include rice, maize, millet, flour, sugar, milk, bread, chicken, eggs, meat, fish, cooking oil, onions, tomato paste, potatoes, cement, soap and sanitisers.
The regulation also prohibit the hoarding of any essential commodity or imposing conditions requiring the buying of other commodities or services as a condition for the same of an essential commodity.
