ICCC continues inspections in West New Britain

RETAIL outlets in Kimbe, West New Britain, have been the latest target of the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) as it continues to fine businesses for breaching state of emergency orders.
Order eight by SOE Controller David Manning states that businesses shall not, at wholesale or retail outlets increase prices of goods such as rice, flour and sugar in excess of five per cent during the state of emergency.
ICCC commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain said the total number of infringement notices issued now stood at 204.
Ain said a total of 57 retail outlets had been inspected in the province’s two districts – Kandrian-Gloucester and Talasea – as well as the provincial town, Kimbe.
Retailers that were selling brands such as National No.1 Tea (100g) with a price increase from K5.90 to K6.90 and Besta Mackerel – Oil (425g) from K5.70 to K6.30, were identified and issued infringement notices.
Ain said a total of 30 infringement notices had been issued, amounting to K150,000 in fines, after the price of these goods were found to have increased ranging from 5.5 to 20 per cent.
“Three of these infringement notices have been paid amounting to K15,000 and the ICCC will be following up with the rest,” he said.
“Failure to pay by a retailer will result in heftier penalties applied.”