Multiple companies have been fined for illegally inflating prices! A sudden outbreak of the epidemic is affecting the hearts of the Chinese people. Besides paying close attention to the development of the epidemic, the public is concerned about masks for their own safety on one hand, and the "vegetable basket" for their livelihood on the other. While shopping malls and brands are donating money and supplies to fight the epidemic together, there are always some unscrupulous merchants jumping out to take advantage of the situation by inflating prices and profiting from the national crisis. Let's take a look at some of the merchants who have been penalized for illegal price gouging: -01- Supermarkets 1. Carrefour Xuhui Store, Shanghai Lianjia Supermarket: Vegetable price increase, fined 2 million yuan On January 28, the Xuhui store of Shanghai Lianjia Supermarket Co., Ltd. (Carrefour Xuhui Store) sold 15 varieties of vegetables including selected lettuce, baby bok choy, chicken feather greens, leaf lettuce, and spinach during the Spring Festival epidemic period. Despite no significant fluctuation in purchase prices, the store repeatedly raised the selling prices of some vegetables from January 26 to 28, with relatively large increases and involving many varieties. Among them, the increases for lettuce, baby bok choy, and chicken feather greens were 692%, 405%, and 330% respectively. On January 29, the Shanghai Municipal Market Supervision Administration's law enforcement team quickly filed and investigated the case, and on January 30 issued an "Administrative Penalty Hearing Notice" to the party concerned, proposing an administrative penalty of 2 million yuan. 2. Zhengzhou Dashang Supermarket: One Chinese cabbage priced at 63.9 yuan, fined 500,000 yuan On January 26, a Sina Weibo user posted photos of two cabbages priced at 63.9 yuan and 41.9 yuan, claiming that the prices of cabbages at Dashang Supermarket on North Erqi Road and Century Lianhua Olive City Store in Zhengzhou had skyrocketed. Currently, the Erqi District Market Supervision Administration has conducted an administrative interview with the person in charge of the Dashang Supermarket on Erqi Road and imposed an administrative penalty of 500,000 yuan. An investigation and evidence collection are underway for the Century Lianhua Olive City Store. 3. Xinxiang Dashang New Mart: Green eggplant price doubled within 3 hours, 16 yuan per jin! Fined 500,000 yuan Recently, a citizen reported that the price of green eggplant at Xinxiang Dashang New Mart in Henan was too high. After investigation, the market supervision bureau found that the supermarket had increased the price of green eggplant from 15.96 yuan/kg to 32 yuan/kg within 3 hours. On January 31, the Xinxiang Municipal Market Supervision Administration proposed a fine of 500,000 yuan. 4. Xining RT-Mart Supermarket: Fined 500,000 yuan for price gouging On January 25, a citizen reported that while shopping at the RT-Mart supermarket in Haihu New District, the prices of vegetables in the supermarket were generally high, with a cabbage (500g) selling for 33 yuan and two cucumbers (500g) for 23.32 yuan. After verification, among the 21 types of vegetables sold by RT-Mart that were within the government's intervention price range, 9 types exceeded the wholesale-retail price difference, and the prices of the remaining vegetable varieties were artificially high. Law enforcement officers immediately made records on the spot and filed a case for investigation. In accordance with laws and regulations, the Xining Municipal Market Supervision Administration imposed an administrative penalty of 500,000 yuan. 5. Changde RT-Mart Commercial Co., Ltd.: Fined 200,000 yuan for deceptive consumption Changde RT-Mart supermarket marked the price of Chinese cabbage and white radish at 2.98 yuan/500g, but when selling, it settled at the clearance vegetable price of 4 yuan/500g. It used two types of price tags, attracting customers with low prices and settling at high prices, which constitutes the price fraud behavior of "low price labeling, high price settlement." The Changde Municipal Market Supervision Administration proposed an administrative penalty of 200,000 yuan for Changde RT-Mart Commercial Co., Ltd. 6. Shanghai Putuo District Convenience Store: Administrative penalty for price gouging of masks On January 22, the Shanghai Putuo District Market Supervision Administration, based on a report, inspected the Kuai Ke convenience store at No. 313 Taopu Road. It was found that starting from January 21, the party concerned purchased PITTA masks (3-pack) from other convenience stores at 69 yuan per pack and, taking advantage of the surge in demand for masks and other epidemic prevention supplies, sold them at 198 yuan per pack on the "Meituan Waimai" platform. The party's behavior is suspected of constituting illegal price gouging. The Putuo District Market Supervision Administration has filed a case for investigation and will make an administrative penalty decision in the near future. 7. Langfang Mingzhu Supermarket: Some vegetables increased in price, fined 500,000 yuan On January 29, in response to public reports about price increases for some vegetables at Langfang Mingzhu Xing'an Supermarket, where small cucumber was priced at 176 yuan per kilogram, the Langfang Market Supervision Administration imposed an administrative penalty of 500,000 yuan on Mingzhu Supermarket in accordance with the law. 8. Jiujiang Xiushui County Yebo RT-Mart Supermarket: Cabbage price increase, fined 500,000 yuan On January 29, the Xiushui County Market Supervision Administration received complaints and reports from multiple consumers. After verification, it was found that the price at Xiushui County Yebo RT-Mart was 13.96 yuan per kilogram, significantly higher than the normal market price. The Xiushui County Market Supervision Administration proposed an administrative penalty of 500,000 yuan for the supermarket. 9. Shandong Longkou Jiajiayue Supermarket: Fined 1 million yuan for price gouging of vegetables On January 27, based on public reports, the Longkou Municipal Market Supervision Department inspected the fourth and fifth stores of Jiajiayue Supermarket Co., Ltd. in Longkou. It was found that the price of cabbage in the two stores had risen from 4.98 yuan per kilogram to 9.96 yuan per kilogram, and leeks from 17.98 yuan per kilogram to 67.98 yuan per kilogram. The Longkou Municipal Market Supervision Administration conducted a comprehensive investigation and handling of the case in accordance with law enforcement procedures, and proposed an administrative penalty of 1 million yuan for the two stores. 10. Kaifeng Sanmao Supermarket: One Chinese cabbage priced at 39.36 yuan, fined 400,000 yuan On January 26, a consumer spent 39.36 yuan to buy a cabbage weighing less than 8 jin at Kaifeng Sanmao Supermarket. On January 30, the Kaifeng Municipal Market Supervision Administration verified that the prices of cabbage and other vegetables sold by the store had been raised multiple times during the epidemic period, with excessive increases, violating the Price Law. It was proposed to order the store to correct the illegal behavior and impose a fine of 400,000 yuan. 11. Xi'an China Resources Vanguard Weiyang Road Store: Vegetable price increase fined 100,000 yuan From January 22 to 25, the price of Chinese cabbage at the China Resources Vanguard Weiyang Road store was 1.58 yuan per jin. However, from January 26 to the morning of January 27, the price of Chinese cabbage was adjusted to 5.98 yuan per jin, an increase of 4.4 yuan. In response, the Xi'an Market Supervision Administration inspected the implementation of vegetable price policies at the store and imposed a fine of 100,000 yuan. 12. Hebei Baibai Group Shopping Plaza: Vegetable prices too high, fined 2 million yuan On January 27, the 12315 complaint and reporting platform received reports from multiple citizens, reflecting that the prices of some vegetables at Baibai Shopping Plaza, Xinhe Supermarket, and Zhenghe Supermarket (all located in Baoding city) were too high and rising too fast. After verification, the Baoding Market Supervision Administration confirmed that the public reports were true and decided to impose a fine of 2 million yuan on Hebei Baibai Group Shopping Plaza Co., Ltd. 13. Luoyang Aijia Supermarket: A mask sold for 2 yuan, fined 1,000 yuan On the afternoon of January 27, the Luolong District Market Supervision Administration received a complaint from a citizen that the Aijia Supermarket near Tangsimen was selling disposable blue masks at a price of 2 yuan each, which was a price increase. The market supervision department immediately intervened in the investigation. Because the supermarket did not provide corresponding evidence, according to the simplified procedure, an administrative penalty of 1,000 yuan was imposed on the supermarket. If the supermarket engages in such price gouging again, it will be fined at least 500,000 yuan! -02- Pharmacies 1. Nanchang Jinxian County Yimintang Pharmacy: Hoarding masks and price gouging, fined 3 million yuan On January 25, the Nanchang Municipal Market Supervision Administration conducted a surprise inspection of Jinxian County Yimintang Pharmacy. It was found that the party concerned, with the purpose of profiteering, and under the premise of no significant change in purchase costs, starting from January 22, increased the prices of goods related to epidemic prevention by 0.5 to 13 times the previous selling prices, significantly raising prices. The Nanchang Municipal Market Supervision Administration proposed the maximum penalty of 3 million yuan for the pharmacy. 2. Tianjin Xurun Huimin Pharmacy: Price gouging of masks, fined 3 million yuan On January 26, the Jinnan District Market Supervision Administration in Tianjin, based on a report, inspected the Liushengdao branch of Tianjin Xurun Huimin Pharmacy Chain Co., Ltd. It was found that the party concerned, taking advantage of the surge in demand for masks and other epidemic prevention supplies, purchased KN95 masks at 12 yuan each and raised the price to 128 yuan each for sale; purchased Pianzaihuang anti-haze masks (adult 1-pack) at a purchase price of 15.2 yuan per box and raised the price to 58-78 yuan per box for sale. On January 27, the Jinnan District Market Supervision Administration delivered the administrative penalty hearing notice to the party concerned, proposed an administrative penalty of 3 million yuan, and transferred clues of suspected economic crimes related to price gouging to the public security department. 3. Huanggang Huangzhou District Puruikang Pharmacy: Administrative penalty for price gouging of N95 masks On January 28, the Huanggang Municipal Market Supervision Administration in Hubei Province, based on a report, inspected the Puruikang Pharmacy in Huangzhou District, Huanggang City. It was found that the party concerned, taking advantage of the surge in demand for masks and other epidemic prevention supplies, raised the price of N95 masks from 19 yuan to 35 yuan between January 22 and 27, suspected of constituting illegal price gouging. The Huanggang Municipal Market Supervision Administration is conducting a comprehensive investigation and handling of the case in accordance with law enforcement procedures and will make an administrative penalty decision in the near future. 4. Fujian Jinjiang Southeast Pharmaceutical Store: Price gouging of masks, case filed for investigation On January 23, the Jinjiang Municipal Market Supervision Administration in Fujian Province investigated the suspected price gouging behavior of the Zimao branch of Jinjiang Southeast Pharmaceutical Store Chain. It was found that the party concerned, taking advantage of the surge in demand for masks and other epidemic prevention supplies, raised the price of disposable masks (10-pack) with a purchase price of 0.85 yuan per pack from the usual selling price of 3 yuan per pack to 20 yuan per pack, suspected of constituting illegal price gouging. The Jinjiang Municipal Market Supervision Administration has filed a case for investigation and is conducting a comprehensive investigation and handling in accordance with law enforcement procedures. 5. Jiangsu Xinyi Xiehe Pharmacy: Price gouging of masks, comprehensive investigation and handling On January 26, the Xinyi Municipal Market Supervision Administration in Jiangsu Province, based on public reports, inspected the Xinyi Xiehe Pharmacy branch of Xuzhou Julonghe Trading Co., Ltd. It was found that the party concerned, taking advantage of the surge in demand for masks and other epidemic prevention supplies, gradually raised the price of single-pack disposable masks from 1 yuan each to 5 yuan each for sale. The party's behavior is suspected of constituting illegal price gouging. The Xinyi Municipal Market Supervision Administration is conducting a comprehensive investigation and handling of the case in accordance with law enforcement procedures and will make an administrative penalty decision in the near future. 6. Zhejiang Zhuji Tianqing Pharmacy: Price gouging of masks, case filed for investigation On January 27, the Zhuji Municipal Market Supervision Administration in Zhejiang Province, based on a report, inspected the Tianqing Pharmacy of Zhuji Longji Pharmaceutical Chain Co., Ltd. It was found that from January 22 to 26, the party concerned, taking advantage of the surge in demand for masks and other epidemic prevention supplies, sold masks with a purchase price of 12.5 yuan per pack at prices ranging from 40 to 50 yuan per pack in its business premises. The party is suspected of constituting illegal price gouging. The Zhuji Municipal Market Supervision Department filed a case for investigation on the same day and will make an administrative penalty decision in the near future. 7. Gansu Wuwei Liangzhou District Yishengtang Pharmacy: Price gouging of masks, fined 56,750 yuan On January 24, the Liangzhou District Market Supervision Administration in Wuwei City, Gansu Province, based on a report, inspected the Yishengtang Pharmacy in Liangzhou District, Wuwei City. It was found that the store sold KN95 foldable anti-particle respirators, which had a purchase price of 15 yuan each the previous day, at 30 yuan each, and sold disposable masks, which had a purchase price of 10 yuan per pack the previous day, at 20 yuan each. The party constituted the price violation of price gouging. The Liangzhou District Market Supervision Administration, in accordance with the Price Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations on Administrative Penalties for Price Violations, ordered the party to immediately correct the above illegal acts, confiscated illegal gains of 11,350 yuan, and imposed a fine of 56,750 yuan. 8. Beijing Jiminkangtai Pharmacy: 10 3M anti-haze masks sold for 850 yuan, will be fined 3 million yuan On January 25, the Beijing Municipal Market Supervision Administration reported that the 55th branch of Beijing Jiminkangtai Pharmacy Co., Ltd., near You'anmen in Fengtai District, sold 10 3M anti-haze masks for 850 yuan, while the same specification product was sold online for 143 yuan. The on-site person in charge failed to produce the purchase receipt for the product and could not explain the purchase price. The store will also be subject to an administrative fine of 3 million yuan. 9. Jinan Luping Medical Devices Co., Ltd.: Price gouging of masks, fined 405,000 yuan On January 26, the Pingyin County Market Supervision Administration in Jinan inspected Jinan Luping Medical Devices Co., Ltd. It was found that the company sold masks with a purchase price of 2.7 yuan each at 12 yuan each; sold masks with a purchase price of 4.5 yuan each at 38 yuan each, and did not clearly mark prices, suspected of constituting illegal price gouging and failure to clearly mark prices as required. The Pingyin County Market Supervision Administration proposed a fine of 405,000 yuan for the company and ordered it to refund the overcharged amounts to consumers in accordance with the law. 10. Liaocheng Qilu Pharmacy: Price gouging of masks, fined 9,455.6 yuan The second chain store of Liaocheng Dongchangfu District Qilu Pharmacy Chain Co., Ltd. purchased three batches of N95 masks since January 24. The first batch had a purchase price of 10 yuan each and a selling price of 19.9 yuan each; the second batch had a purchase price of 15 yuan each and a selling price of 22.5 yuan each; the third batch had a purchase price of 15 yuan each and a selling price of 29.9 yuan each, suspected of constituting illegal price gouging. The Liaocheng Municipal Market Supervision Administration ordered the party to immediately correct the above illegal acts, proposed to confiscate illegal gains and impose the maximum fine of 5 times, totaling 49,455.6 yuan. 11. Qingdao West Coast New District Liuhe Community Hai'an Pharmacy: Masks not clearly priced, fined 5,000 yuan On January 29, the Qingdao West Coast New District Market Supervision Administration, based on public reports, inspected the Liuhe Community Hai'an Pharmacy in Qingdao West Coast New District. It was found that the store's price labeling for N95 masks was not standardized, and it was proposed to impose the maximum fine of 5,000 yuan. 12. Qingdao Fengshuotang Pharmaceutical Chain Co., Ltd.: Price gouging, fined 500,000 yuan The Qingdao Municipal Market Supervision Administration, based on public reports about Fengshuotang Pharmacy selling masks at high prices, quickly took action at both the municipal and district levels. After investigation of Qingdao Fengshuotang Pharmaceutical Chain Co., Ltd., it was found that the company had engaged in price gouging. The Shinan District Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau filed the case and issued an "Administrative Penalty Hearing Notice" to the company on January 30, proposing an administrative penalty of 500,000 yuan. 13. Rizhao Wulian County Kanglesheng Pharmacy: Masks not clearly priced, suspended for 4 days On January 27, the Wulian County Market Supervision Administration in Rizhao, based on a report, inspected Wulian County Kanglesheng Pharmacy Co., Ltd. It was found that the company sold "KN95 masks" without clear price labeling, which constituted the illegal act of failing to clearly mark prices as required. The Wulian County Market Supervision Administration immediately ordered the party to rectify and suspended business for 4 days. 14. Five pharmacies in Lanling County, Shandong: Price gouging of masks, fined 1.2 million yuan On January 28, based on public reports, the Lanling County Market Supervision Department in Linyi inspected five enterprises: Sinopharm Holding Guoda Pharmacy (Lianhuashan City Store, City Garden Store, Jindun Store), Linyi Xintiandi Pharmaceutical Retail Chain Co., Ltd. (Lanling Xinhua Road Store), Lanling County Tongyitang Pharmacy (south of Lanling Road West Section), Lanling County Tongren Pharmacy (opposite the Chinese Medicine Hospital on Huibao Road), and Lanling County Kangning Pharmacy (Jiazhuang Center Street). It was found that all five enterprises had illegal business operations of selling masks at high prices. In accordance with the Price Law and the Regulations on Administrative Penalties for Price Violations, it was proposed to impose a total fine of 1.2 million yuan on the above five pharmaceutical enterprises, with Sinopharm Holding Guoda Pharmacy fined 600,000 yuan, Linyi Xintiandi Pharmaceutical Retail Chain Co., Ltd. fined 200,000 yuan, Lanling County Tongyitang Pharmacy fined 200,000 yuan, Lanling County Tongren Pharmacy fined 100,000 yuan, and Lanling County Kangning Pharmacy fined 100,000 yuan. 15. Five pharmacies in Beijing fined, masks priced at 15 yuan sold for 48 yuan Recently, the Beijing Municipal Market Supervision Administration has taken strong action against price violations such as hoarding, price collusion, fabricating and spreading price increase information to drive up prices, and disrupting market price order during the epidemic prevention and control period. On the afternoon of January 30, the municipal market supervision department publicly exposed five typical cases—Beijing Baihaotang Pharmaceutical Business Co., Ltd. and other 5 major pharmacies were penalized. -03- E-commerce 1. Taobao: Reported stores increased to 115, continuous handling On January 25, a netizen posted a report exposing many "unscrupulous Taobao mask stores" and continuously updated relevant information. As of 18:00 on January 27, the number of reported stores had risen to 115. These stores had problems such as selling masks without qualifications, price gouging, selling counterfeit masks, and abnormal shipping. On January 27, Taobao officially responded on Weibo, saying that it had checked all the stores mentioned in the article one by one. For the issues of false publicity and unstable prices in some stores, all related products have been removed from the shelves, and it will assist consumers in refunds. It also said that individual stores require more detailed review, but health comes first, and related products have been removed from the shelves first. Finally, the editor suggests that netizens, if they encounter prices that exceed the normal range, can call 12315 to report directly, so that everyone remembers them and avoids being maliciously overcharged by others. At the same time, we also thank those stores that sell at low or original prices and the employees fighting on the front line. Thank you, it's great to have you! Come on Wuhan, come on China! 💪💪💪 Source: Lianshang.com, Dahe Daily, Internet