INCETTA. — Incetta is the complete or substantial monopolization of goods available in a certain market for the purpose of reselling them later under advantageous conditions or for using them when they become difficult to obtain.
This practice can occur at all times and with respect to all kinds of goods, giving rise to the phenomenon of monopoly. It usually occurs, however, during periods of actual or feared scarcity (especially in times of war, social upheaval, etc.) and with regard to goods of widespread consumption and great necessity (especially raw materials and foodstuffs), producing the well-known phenomena of war profiteering or market manipulation.
The social importance of this practice has led all governments to intervene. Their action has taken two directions: a) preventing the occurrence of incetta by either removing the goods in question from private negotiation through compulsory stockpiling or ensuring citizens a minimum supply through rationing; b) destroying the practice by imposing very severe penalties on the incettatori (hoarders). Experience has shown that such measures achieve their purpose when the authorities truly ensure at least the bare necessities and demonstrate inflexibility in punishing major hoarders—two conditions that, unfortunately, have rarely been met.
From a moral standpoint, it seems necessary to distinguish between hoarding for the purpose of profit and hoarding for the purpose of personal or family provision; moreover, in the case of hoarding for profit, a distinction should be made between hoarding essential goods and hoarding luxury items.
INCITTA - INCISIONE