CMA urges retailers "to act responsibly" during coronavirus outbreak

In a sternly worded statement, the Competition & Markets Authority said it would take into account all evidence that firms might have broken competition or consumer protection laws and take direct enforcement action if needed.

"It will consider any evidence that companies may have broken competition or consumer protection law, for example by charging excessive prices or making misleading claims about the efficacy of protective equipment," the CMA said.

The CMA also said that it was mulling whether to recommend to the government that it regulate prices.

CMA chief, Andrea Coscelli, said: "We urge retailers to behave responsibly throughout the coronavirus outbreak and not to make misleading claims or charge vastly inflated prices.

"We also remind members of the public that these obligations may apply to them too if they resell goods, for example on online marketplaces."