CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — KRIS 6 News has received a number of complaints to our newsroom about local businesses price gouging. That’s when businesses use times of crisis like the coronavirus to raise the price of products in high demand.
As the public continues to clear the shelves of items like hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and food products, some businesses have been found to jack up their prices, which is causing even more panic among buyers, like Daniel Hernandez.
Hernandez brought it to KRIS 6 News’ attention that a local business, Quinta Caporales Meat Market, 3002 S. Port Ave. is selling a large avocado for $2.79 each and a gallon of milk for $5.49.
“It’s not right for the customers, like me, because we have jobs and our jobs are closing down,” said Hernandez. “We’re on a tight budget right now, and to come to this, that’s really out of the line.”
KRIS 6 spoke to the store’s manager and owner about it. They acknowledged that prices on certain items are slightly higher, but that’s because demand for those products is at an all-time high. Plus the price they pay for those products has also gone up.
For Hernandez, he says it’s too expensive for him and other customers.
“It’s not right, it's never going to be right, and it shouldn't be done,” said Hernandez.
Staff at the market also say, for some items they sell, like milk, they’re actually losing money. They did however mention if you don’t agree with the price of a product, you can talk to them about it.
“If you see something like this going on, please do something about it,” said Hernandez.
If you observe price gouging, you can report it to the Attorney General’s Office at the Consumer Protection Hotline (1-800-621-0508).