By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Eswatini Competition Commission has refuted media reports that allege the country is faced with a shortage of table eggs.
Following the circulation of media reports that the country is facing an egg shortage crisis, the Commission as part of its mandate to protect customers from the negative impacts of the perceived egg shortage conducted extensive inspections in several retailers in Manzini, Mbabane, and Ezulwini and found no evidence of egg scarcity.
In a statement released on Monday, the Commission said that it has collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBOARD) to monitor the situation and ensure the customers are protected.
“The Commission has reliably gathered that the country is self-sufficient in the supply of eggs for local and export markets. Therefore, egg shortages in the local market are not anticipated,” the press release reads.
The Commission urged the public not to panic and to continue to purchase eggs from the usual and authorized retailers. It also warned against anti-competitive trade practices that could harm consumer welfare and market efficiency.
The Commission, which was established in 2007 to regulate competition in the economy and to protect consumers from unfair trade practices, said it would inform the public if there were any changes in the egg supply market, going forward.
The Commission also expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation among egg producers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and other relevant stakeholders.
The Competition Commission has the power to investigate, adjudicate, and impose sanctions for any contravention of the Act. The Commission also has the mandate to protect consumer welfare and to provide an institutional mechanism for implementing the objectives of the Act and other matters incidental thereto.