Correct Answer:
D. 50%
This question asks about the specific financial penalty for hoarding. The correct answer is 50% of article value. Fines for hoarding are designed to be substantial to effectively deter such activities and to remove the profit incentive from illicit gains. A fine of '50% of article value' represents a significant financial penalty, underscoring the seriousness of the offense and aiming to confiscate a large portion of any ill-gotten profits. Options A, B, and C represent lower percentages, which might not be as effective a deterrent for such a critical offense during a crisis.