Govt cracks down on dual MRP, relief for consumers at airports and restaurants

According to a Times of India report, the consumer affairs department has sent an advisory to state governments to crack down on the prevalent system of  two maximum retail prices (MRPs) for the same packaged item within a state. This is potentially a good news for consumers who often have to cough up exorbitant amount for packaged items including beverages in malls, airports and other similar places. 

The report quoted an officer saying, "There is no dual MRP provision in the packaged commodity rules and hence state governments must ensure that no one sells packaged items at different prices within a region. In case of different MRPs, the lowest one will be treated as the actual price".  

The order originally given by National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission about packaged drinking water actually applies to all packaged items, as per the report. 

While the government has sent the advisory, how much it is implemented in reality on ground will determine its efficacy. Often shopkeepers increase prices especially when there is inadequate supply.