Nationwide price check set

Business

By PETER ESILA

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) will be conducting nationwide checks on retailers to ensure prices of essentials listed for control due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak are not increased.
ICCC commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain said a new set of Price Measure 11 had been issued by the pandemic controller’s office under Section 9 of the National Pandemic Act 2020 last Monday.
The goods subject to the measure includes rice, flour, sugar, fresh fruit, baby formula, soap, hand sanitiser, cooking oil, canned meat, canned fish, fresh chicken products, frozen meat products, wipes, Covid-19 rapid antigen tests and noodles
“The purpose of the new measure is to prevent price gouging in the market in light of the ongoing global inflationary pressures experienced in the country due to the pandemic,” Ain added.
The new measure will expire on Aug 7 and are as follows:

  • BUSINESSES shall not, at wholesale or retail, increase the prices of goods listed in excess of 10 per cent;
  • BUSINESSES shall not increase the prices of medical and health services in excess of 10 per cent;
  • A BUSINESS that increases prices for these goods and services, has committed an offence, unless with prior approval of the ICCC or other conditions as prescribed by the measure;
  • A business that commits an offence is liable to a fine not exceeding K10,000; and,
  • This measure shall be in force for 90 days but may be renewed at the direction of the controller for such consecutive periods, each not exceeding 90 days as the controller deems appropriate.

The ICCC, including its agents (provincial business officers) will be inspecting shops nationwide.