A. M. 
The Defensoría del Consumidor of El Salvador launched a price verification operation at wholesale markets selling basic grains after identifying abrupt increases in the price of white corn, exceeding US$25 per quintal in the national market.
The inspections were carried out this wednesday at various points of sale, including businesses located on Gerardo Barrios Street in the San Salvador district, where teams from the agency verified prices, inventories, and sales conditions of the product with the aim of guaranteeing fair prices and preventing abusive practices that harm consumers.
The president of the Defensoría del Consumidor, Ricardo Salazar, explained that the detected increase in the price of corn does not coincide with the usual market behavior for this time of year. He detailed that when comparing current prices with historical records and the price dynamics of the period, an irregular behavior is observed that could be related to speculative practices by some merchants.
The official indicated that, despite the price increase observed at some retail outlets, the country maintains a sufficient supply of corn, both through domestic production and imports that continue to enter El Salvador. This constant flow of product, he noted, confirms that there is no shortage justifying the price increase.
Given this situation, the institution launched an investigation throughout the corn supply chain to identify potential irregularities in the marketing of the grain. As part of these efforts, 25 information requests have already been issued to various market participants, primarily distributors and retailers.
The inspections are being carried out not only at establishments that sell directly to consumers, but also at warehouses and storage facilities, to verify product availability, inventory levels, and the conditions under which the corn is being sold.
According to Salazar, the inspections have confirmed that product is indeed available on the market, reinforcing the hypothesis that the price increase could be linked to speculative practices.
The investigation could lead to administrative or even criminal charges, depending on the results of the verifications. As the head of the institution explained, unjustified price increases can be punished with fines of up to 500 minimum wages.
Likewise, hoarding products or disseminating false information to manipulate market prices can also constitute a crime, with penalties ranging from three to five years in prison, according to current regulations.
The verification efforts are not limited to the capital city. The Defensoría del Consumidor reported that the operation is part of a nationwide deployment, which includes inspections in other major centers for the supply of basic grains in cities such as Santa Ana, San Miguel, and Usulután.
Finally, the institution reiterated its call to the public to report any unjustified price increases for corn or other basic goods by calling 910 or using the WhatsApp service 7844-1482. These channels are available to receive reports and monitor potential market abuses.
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