金价波动引发线上金店拒发潮？多名消费者称购买金饰遭拦截，平台方称将处罚

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in international gold prices has led to significant disruptions in online gold purchases, with many consumers reporting that merchants are intercepting shipments or refusing to fulfill orders due to the price volatility [1][9]. Group 1: Price Surge and Consumer Impact - International spot gold prices have reached new highs in October, with domestic gold retail prices exceeding 990 yuan per gram, causing notable price fluctuations [1]. - Consumers, such as Ms. Liu, reported that after purchasing gold at lower prices, merchants intercepted shipments when prices surged, leading to significant financial losses [2][4]. - Another consumer, Ms. Feng, experienced a similar issue where her order was recalled after the price increased, highlighting a pattern of merchants refusing to fulfill orders when prices rise [6]. Group 2: Merchant Behavior and Complaints - Merchants have been reported to intercept shipments under various pretexts, such as "system errors" or "inventory issues," often leading to consumer frustration and financial losses [4][11]. - Online platforms have acknowledged an increase in complaints regarding non-fulfillment of gold orders, with some merchants opting to refund rather than ship products, even at a loss [7][9]. - The "real-time gold" store admitted to intercepting shipments but attributed it to temporary system issues, indicating a lack of accountability for price fluctuations [6][10]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Considerations - Legal experts assert that merchants refusing to fulfill orders due to price increases may be in breach of contract, as the purchase agreement is established upon order submission [10][11]. - Consumers are advised to retain transaction records and seek intervention from online platforms or regulatory bodies if merchants fail to fulfill orders [11][12]. - The ongoing situation raises concerns about consumer rights and the need for better protections in the online gold sales market, especially given the prevalence of a "no inventory" model among some small merchants [9][10].