Is price gouging considered forbidden (haram) in this situation, and is buying from merchants who do so forbidden?

A merchant selling below the set price depends on their status:

1. If they are an agent for the company: They are obligated to sell at the authorized price, and if they sell for less, they are liable for the difference. 2. If they have purchased the goods from the company: The company's condition that they adhere to a specific price is void, as it contradicts the essence of a sales contract. The contract itself remains valid, and the merchant has the right to sell the goods at whatever price they wish, and dealing with them is permissible.

This is unless the government obligates merchants to a specific price for a public interest, in which case adherence to that price becomes mandatory.