DANAO City officials have warned traders and business owners that they could be stripped of their business permits if they are caught overpricing their essential products.

If this happens, they would no longer be able to do business in the city.

The Danao City Government announced that its Price Coordinating Council is monitoring and conducting surprise inspections in all supermarkets, groceries, gas stations, water refilling stations and even wet markets in the city to combat overpricing as a result of the crisis brought about by Typhoon Odette (Rai).

Members of the council along with officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) toured these establishments to check on the prices of the goods they are selling.

The group found that some have raised the price of water at water refilling stations and that some of those that sell ice also raised prices.

Danao City officials are also urging residents to report to them if they are aware of shops or traders who commit unscrupulous practices.

“Everyone is encouraged to assist the local government in punishing overpricing and exploitative sellers, by reporting it to the Business Permit and Licensing Office,” local officials said.