The Ministry of Commerce clarifies that coffee has been discounted and prices have not increased.

The Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade revealed that producers are cooperating and not raising the selling price of coffee, even though the cost of coffee beans has increased due to the drought. Meanwhile, retail and wholesale stores are still holding continuous price reduction promotions. Mr. Wattanasak Suea-iam, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed about the news that coffee prices will increase that the Department of Internal Trade has coordinated with coffee producers and received confirmation that there will be no increase in selling prices, but there will be a reduction in trade discounts to manage production costs so as not to affect consumers, even though the price of coffee beans, which is the main raw material cost, has increased significantly because the amount of coffee beans in major production areas has decreased due to the drought. In addition, from the survey of the coffee sales situation in retail and wholesale stores, it was found that the price is still normal and the stores still have promotions to promote discounts continuously, which is considered a benefit for consumers. However, the department will closely monitor the situation of the price of consumer goods. In the event of price adjustments, it must be considered to be in line with the higher costs and not to have an excessive impact on consumers. If it is found that there is an opportunity to sell goods at unreasonably high prices, hoarding goods and refusing to sell, there will be a penalty of imprisonment of 7 years or a fine not exceeding 140,000 baht, or both. If the public does not receive fairness in purchasing goods and services, they can file a complaint with the Department of Internal Trade hotline 1569. Source: Thai News Agency