A. M. 
Courtesy
So far this year, the Defensoría del Consumidor (DC) has been able to recover US$9.8 million for the benefit of approximately 25,000 consumers, according to the president of the entity, Ricardo Salazar. Of this figure, US$4.7 million corresponds to financial issues, benefiting 8,400 people. This significant progress underscores the CD’s efforts to protect consumer rights and ensure economic justice.
In addition, Salazar highlighted that the institution has managed more than 77,000 services, of which 58,500 have been advisory services and more than 18,800 complaints. Comparing these data with those registered before 2019, where between 8,000 and 9,000 complaints were received annually, there is evidence of a notable increase in the activity and effectiveness of the Defensoría.
The CD has initiated investigation processes against six of the main supermarket chains in the country. Currently, around 68 products are being investigated for significant price increases of over 40%. These increases not only affect fruits and vegetables, but also products such as oils and cheeses, which generates considerable concern among consumers.
Salazar also noted that the elimination of tariffs for a period of 10 years for about 128 tariff codes will improve access to essential foods such as meat, 14 varieties of fruit, 16 basic grains (rice, sugar, beans and corn), 14 varieties of vegetables, and dairy products.
Other products benefiting from this tariff elimination include: infant items, food supplements, eggs, tuna, flour, cheese, oils, shortening, margarines and various groceries such as oatmeal, cereal and toast. This action reaffirms the commitment to the protection and welfare of the salvadoran population.
