The commission received numerous complaints of price increases for essential food.

Deputy Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said they picked up a trend of price increases, particularly on basic foodstuffs.

"We found that early on, around March/April, prices of basic foodstuffs increased. Vegetables, basic spices, garlic, as well as, other essentials.

"We then thought it's best to analyse the trends and see what is actually happening out there."

Ratshisusu said panic buying and predatory practices by businesses trying to profit from the pandemic prompted the initial hike, but stated prices have now begun to stabilise.

eNCA