In light of Tropical Storm Lisa, the Belize Bureau of Standards takes this opportunity to advise consumers to be vigilant as it relates to the prices of goods and services during this time. It is common for unscrupulous business practices such as price gouging to occur during or after a natural disaster or any other state of national emergency. Consumers are, therefore, reminded of the importance of saving receipt(s) as proof of purchase which can serve as a basis to formally report any contraventions encountered in the marketplace.
For price-controlled goods, it is an offense for businesses to sell any such commodities above the maximum permissible price ceiling. A listing of the price-controlled goods(current) can be found at https://bbs.gov.bz/price-controlled-goods/.
The Bureau remains committed to the protection of consumers within the scope of its legal mandate and assures that it will liaise with other relevant authorities which hold jurisdiction over the respective matter. In this particular instance, reports can be formally made through the BBS Consumer Protection Hotline at 0-800-283-5587 or via email at bbs@btl.net or directly to the Supplies Control Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise at telephone number 822-2648.
The Bureau strongly advises consumers to pay attention to official advisories from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the National Meteorological Service of Belize Weather Bulletins. Stay Alert, Be Prepared!
