ICCC addresses price hike

The National Business

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) says immediate steps have been taken to stop the illegal increase in food prices.
ICCC chief executive officer and commissioner Paulus Ain, in a statement, said ICCC had issued the list of goods and services declared by the Government to be under price control.
Copies of the Gazette have been distributed to provincial police stations.
Ain said there were notable price increases by certain wholesalers, supermarkets and retailers, taking advantage of the Covid-19 situation to increase the prices of some price-control goods.
He said the process of verifying prices was being carried out around the country where ICCC offices were located. “To date, most businesses are complying with the notice issued for declared goods while goods that were not declared are experiencing some increases.”
In the National Capital District, ICCC officers visited more than 100 retail outlets in Boroko, 4-Mile, Hohola, Tokarara, June Valley, Korobosea, Kaugere, Sabama, Kilakila, Vabukori, Gabutu, 5-Mile, Six-Mile, 7-Mile, Gordon, Erima, Saraga, Taurama, 2-Mile, Badili, Koki, Downtown, Konedobu, Hanuabada, Waigani, Morata, Ensisi Valley, Rainbow Estate, Gerehu, 8-Mile, 9-Mile, Bomana, Kwikila and Sogeri.
The next phase of the operation will be dealing with non-compliant businesses.

6 comments

  • Please take a look at prices at our markets too. Some of our vendors are taking advantage of the situation to reduce quantity and sell the produce at very high prices.

  • ICCC need to send its teams out to physically check the prices first hand, especially those Asian run shops. Price fluctuation is real, intentionally removing tags and charging excessively

  • ICCC should impose this excersise nation wide, not only POM. Some Assians shop are still increasing prices of goods rapidly.

  • Buai price needs to be regulated. In ths environment under the SOE powers authorities should be empowered to ensure that people do not profiteer from this calamity. The ban is not working 100%, so an overall price hike ban should also be imposed and those breaking the law should be reported and penalised. If we make a law police it and soon enough people will learn from it.

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