Eastern Highlands shops praised for keeping prices below 10pc

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has praised business houses and shops in Eastern Highlands for keeping their prices below the 10 per cent allowed.
ICCC commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain gave the thumbs up after an inspection of businesses last week.
“This current exercise has shown that most shops were issued for one or two items.
“This implies that shops have been trying to, and can, keep their prices below the 10 per cent allowance,” Ain said.
“Wholesale price seem to remain the same or reduced by a few Kina. We noted this from the biggest wholesaler in the Highlands. So there should be no big increases in the prices.
“Shops are now getting to ensure they are compliant with the Price Measure as they show evidence of communication trail with our pricing team.
“This is showing compliance by the businesses and it is fitting to appreciate them, while few increases compared to 2023.”
The Eastern Highlands price inspection team covered 51 shops in Goroka, Lufa, Kainantu and Henganofi, with 21 shops issued with Infringement Notices.
The team will travel to Chimbu province to inspect 10 shops in the next few days.