The National Inspection of Economic Activities (INAE) notified 266 economic agents and suspended another 55 for illegal practices in the supply of goods and services during the festive season, throughout the country.

"In the period in reference INAE performed throughout the country 12,204 inspection actions to various industrial, commercial, service provision and tourism units that resulted in 266 notifications and 55 suspensions for price speculation, sale of expired and poorly preserved food products among other infractions, said INAE spokesperson and Inspector, Tomás Timba, at a press conference.

Timba pointed out the prevalence of false inspectors, as well as the occurrence of many irregularities, such as reduction in the weight of products, price speculation in some points of Maputo and Beira cities, sale of expired and poorly preserved products, agglomeration of customers in commercial establishments disrespecting the prevention measures against Covid-19, among others.

Compared to previous years, Timba said that the reduction in the price of corn flour stands out. There was also a great availability of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, vegetables such as potatoes, onions and tomatoes. Domestic chicken and egg production capacity increased, although there were imports to cover the existing deficit.

In view of the irregularities, INAE has launched awareness actions for economic agents in supermarkets and wholesale markets. In case of recurrence, offenders are subject to a notification, fine or suspension.