Bottled water rip-off

Bottled water is big business in Mauritius. However, some unscrupulous retailers tend to derive higher profits by charging well over the recommended selling price. Readers have reported to News on Sunday that some ‘snacks’ are selling a 1.5 litre bottled water (not chilled) at Rs 35!

News on Sunday verified the claims and indeed found it to be true. The retailer said the consumer is free not to buy if he finds the price too high. Contacted, a spokesperson of the bottling company declared that retailers are given a list of recommended retail prices and that the recommended price of its 1.5 litre bottled water is Rs 21.50, but the company has no power to ensure retailers’ compliance.

She asked us to report any case of excessive pricing to the Consumer Protection Unit (CPU). However, the CPU states that it is unable to intervene because the price of bottled water is not controlled by the government. In the case of goods not on controlled list, a retailer may charge whatever price he wishes, it is up to the consumer to decide whether he wants to buy or not.