Retail giant Carrefour has issued an official apology for overcharging consumers with false pricing. The statement came shortly after the National Development and Reform Commission said on Wednesday that it found deceptive practices during a countrywide inspection of selected supermarket chains.

The spokesman for the French mega-retailer said in a statement that Carrefour sincerely apologizes for causing losses to its customers, and promises to refund 5 times the difference. He added that the company will establish an internal group to enhance control measures, cooperate with local price inspection and supervisory bodies, and involve them in providing special training for related staff and managers.

China National Radio first discovered the inconsistencies at several Carrefour chain stores. The National Development and Reform Commission then carried out an investigation. The probe is part of the government's effort to curb inflation as Spring Festival nears.

Regulators randomly selected 30 to 40 items, comparing their label and sales prices, and found there were always three or four items boasting discrepancies at chain stores in Shanghai, Changchun, Harbin, Wuhan, and Changsha.

The evidence of cheating includes faking original prices during sales events, cutting the prices shown on tags while charging higher price through cash register, and misleading customers with prices typed in different sizes.

The commission ordered local authorities to fine the supermarket five times the overcharged amount, or up to 500,000 yuan, if the amount can't be calculated. It also urged chain stores around the nation to check for pricing errors, and return any undue gains to customers.

CARREFOUR PRICE CHEATING:

Faking original prices at sales

Charging higher prices than shown

Typing prices in different sizes