ICCC sends officers to monitor retail prices

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has sent officers to 12 provinces to ensure retailers are complying with the price regulations for certain goods and services.
Commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain said retail outlets must comply with Emergency Order 19 regarding the price regulation requirement.
The officers are now in Chimbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Enga, Southern Highlands, Hela, Madang, Manus, West New Britain, New Ireland, Milne Bay, and Northern.
Some will also be sent later to East Sepik, West Sepik, Western, Eastern Highlands and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“The aim of this operation is to inform government stakeholders, businesses and the general public in the provinces that the ICCC is enforcing the emergency order regarding the price regulation of goods and services,” Ain said.
He said the prices of the specified goods and services should not be increased by more than 5 per cent.
“The response that we’ve received from the provincial governments has been very supportive, with assistance provided to our officers.”
Ain warned that failure to comply with the emergency order would result in a fine of K5,000. For repeat offenders, there will be an additional fine of K10,000.
The ICCC began price surveillance operations after the declaration of the state of emergency in March.
They have visited 130 supermarkets and shops in Port Moresby, 16 in Central, 67 in East New Britain, and 75 in Western Highland.
Ain said similar awareness was done in Lae and surrounding areas.