COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: 72% consumers paid more than MRP for groceries during lockdown

Many consumers said that during lockdown 1.0 to 4.0, they ended up paying more for many essentials and grocery products as compared to pre-lockdown. This was not due to an increase in prices by the manufacturer, but because traders and retailers reduced discounts and some, per consumers, even resorted to charging above MRP.

Some 72 per cent consumers paid more for packaged food and groceries during lockdown 1.0-4.0. Lower discounts and charging over MRP were the main reasons for this.

LocalCircles conducted a survey to get a consumer pulse on their experience of buying essentials during and after the lockdown, with respect to pricing. The survey received over 16,500 votes from consumers located in 210 districts of India.

Consumers were asked for the purchase of packaged food and grocery items done by them since March 22, what has been their experience with respect to pricing.

At least 25 per cent consumers said for the same items, prices paid were same as before the lockdown, while 49 per cent prices paid were higher as discounts were lower than before the lockdown. 23 per cent said for the same items, prices paid were higher as many times they were charged above MRP. Charging more than MRP, online or at physical retail stores is a violation of the Legal Metrology act.