Gauteng warns against 'unconscionable' price hikes amidst food shortage fears after unrest Share Pretoria - The Gauteng department of economic development, through the Gauteng office of consumer affairs, has warned suppliers not to inflate prices of essential items, amidst reports of food shortages following the widespread riots and vandalism. Chief director for consumer affairs and business compliance, Advocate Fati Manamela says both Sections 40 and 48 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) make it prohibited conduct for a supplier to increase their prices unconscionably. “Section 48 states that a supplier must not offer to supply, supply or enter into an agreement to supply goods and services at a price that is unfair or unconscionable. Unfair, unreasonable or unjust pricing [price gouging] is when a supplier increases prices of goods or services that do not correspond to or are not equivalent to the increase of providing that service or good,” said Manamela.