Former head of competition watchdog Allan Fels says supermarkets are 'overpricing', after calling for ACCC inquiry
ABCThe former head of Australia's competition watchdog has urged the federal government to order an in-depth investigation into supermarket profit margins and supply chains, accusing the major chains of "overpricing". Key points: An ACCC investigation would be more comprehensive than other inquiries into supermarket pricing underway The ACCC's powers to investigate are limited unless requested by the government The federal government is under pressure to provide cost-of-living relief for consumers Former Australian Competition and Consumer commissioner Allan Fels wrote to federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Monday outlining the initial recommendations from the ACTU-led inquiry into supermarkets he chaired. Speaking on ABC Radio Sydney on Tuesday, Professor Fels said "on the face of it, there seems to be the probability of overcharging" by the major supermarket chains. Professor Fels said while supermarkets were quick to raise prices when the wholesale price increases, they were slow to pass on cost savings to shoppers. "
History of this topic
There's no shortage of supermarket price inquiries. But will they help customers at the check-out?
ABCIf supermarket inquiries alone provided cost-of-living relief, groceries would already be cheaper at the check-out
ABCThe ACCC will be investigating supermarket pricing. Here's what the watchdog can and can't do
ABCSupermarkets to face Queensland parliamentary inquiry into high cost of groceries and low farmgate prices
ABCDiscover Related
)
