Letter: Price gouging

I am not an economist, but I am a consumer. In last Saturday’s Nevada Appeal, Jim Hartman gave his opinion on “Harris, Trump fail economics.” Jim is not an economist either. He is a California lawyer who is now retired in prestigious Genoa.

Price gouging is being done. The food industry is taking advantage of inflation. Price gouging is when a product is sold for more than 10 percent after an emergency declaration or event such as inflation. I have seen unbelievable increases in food that have no credibility. Higher prices are being charged because they can! If one store raises prices the next store will too. Currently a 30 ounce jar of Best Foods Mayonnaise in one store is being sold for $7.98 when prior to inflation the same product cost no more than $4.99 or less. That is almost a 37% increase! I refused to buy it at that store. I believe there is a mentality among the industry, that if the consumer continues to buy their product at higher prices, they will continue to raise prices until the consumer stops buying it. I also believe that the stores raise prices on name brands so that you will buy their lesser quality store brand.

I know it’s time consuming to shop at different stores, but the consumer must comparison shop and not buy over inflated items. Grocers and the food industry are paying attention to the political arena and using inflation as a reason to charge much higher prices. Kamala Harris will address this problem. But we as consumers must also fight back. Politicians can make promises but we, the constituents, must act. Vote this November!

Margaret Konieczny

Carson City