K10,000 for alleged overpricing

SIX shops each in Kimbe and Wewak were issued infringement notices by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) on Monday for allegedly overpricing declared items, an official says.
Commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain said ICCC would continue to carry out the exercise according to the pandemic controller’s Order 11 which required traders to maintain their price increase on certain goods below 10 per cent.
“Any increase above 10 per cent will attract a fine of K10,000 per non-compliant trader,” he said.
The six shops in Kimbe are all owned by foreigners and have now been fined K10,000 each.
“Each shop was given 14 days to pay the fine.”
Ain said during the data collection phase in May, the requirements of Order 11 were clearly explained to each trader.
“However, the traders did not adhere to the instructions and most have proceeded to increase the prices of some of the declared goods above 10 per cent without seeking approval from the ICCC.
“The price enforcement exercise continues in East Sepik and rest of Mamose and New Guinea Islands.
“Shops breaching Pandemic Order No. 11 in the Highlands region are starting to pay up the fines,” he said.
“Legal action will be taken if shops do not pay up or respond at the given time.”
The items include basic food items like rice, canned fish and meat, noodles, frozen chicken meats and other items like soap, sanitisers and medical items.