Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - Prevention and control measures in relation to artificially raising prices for essential goods started from the first days of quarantine - from 16 March. Responsibility for unjustified price increases according to the decision of the Special Republican Anti-Crisis Commission is assigned to the State Tax Committee and its units. This was reported by the press service of the State Tax Committee.

At the local level - dekhkan markets, wholesale and retail outlets - employees of the State Tax Authorities call on entrepreneurs to conscience.

Activities are based on appeals from citizens who are faced with speculation. Cases of unreasonably high prices for socially significant products and goods are revealed. 24/7 in the STC operates a “helpline” and a Call center, where consumers turn to restore justice.

Price monitoring covers a number of food products necessary for consumers: meat, flour, butter, carrots, medical masks. They also include fish, milk and cream, butter, bird eggs, onions, sugar, pasta, personal care products, and the like.

According to Presidential Decree No. UP-5978, when importing into the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan in respect of these goods until 31 December 2020, zero excise tax rates and customs duties were set. Artificial overpricing during the quarantine period is a deliberate decision of unscrupulous entrepreneurs.

About 20 cases are recorded daily in the field. During the quarantine period, 956 facts of violations amounting to 2.4 billion soums were revealed. According to the established procedure, offenses were seized before the legal completion of the case.

Similar facts are recorded in all regions of the republic: in Tashkent region (107), Tashkent (101), Ferghana region (99), Samarkand region (96), Andijan region (86), Namangan region (83) and the Republic of Karakalpakstan (78).

In 308 cases, tax authorities found unjustified overpricing of potato prices in 308 cases (in Andijan region 49, in Samarkand region and Ferghana region 35 each).

There were 104 facts of illegal sale of medical masks at high prices (621,823 units totaling 973 million soums were seized), meat - 34, facts related to other food and non-food items - 359.

In relation to offenders, employees of the State Tax Service carry out preventive measures, give recommendations to legitimize activities and not artificially raise food prices.