The South African Competition Commission is actively investigating potential abuses of market power within the food value chain, citing concerns that such practices are contributing to sustained high food prices for consumers. The probe focuses on sectors including poultry, cooking oil, and grain milling.
This scrutiny comes as households face broader inflationary pressures. While global factors and higher input costs like fuel and fertilizer have driven prices up, the Commission is examining whether anti-competitive behavior is exacerbating the situation beyond these underlying cost increases.
In a recent media briefing, Commissioner Doris Tshepe emphasized the need for a competitive market to ensure fair pricing. The Commission has urged suppliers and retailers to exercise restraint in price adjustments to help alleviate the burden on consumers during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
