Stores fined for violation

retail stores in New Ireland that increased prices of goods were fined K30,000 by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) last week.
The ICCC said, in a statement, that the two retail outlets had violated the National Emergency Order No. 19 and had increased the prices of goods above the allowed five per cent mark.
Red Star Investments in Kavieng was issued two infringement notices while Island Store, Arrow Trading One and Arrow Trading Two were issued the other four infringement notices.
It stated that each infringement notice carried a spot fine of K5,000.
ICCC commissioner and chief executive Paulus Ain said if shops needed to increase the price of goods during the state of emergency (SOE) period above five per cent, they had to seek ICCC’s approval.
“We (ICCC) understand that the current state of emergency is affecting everyone, including business houses, but as the country’s consumer protection agency, we are asking that businesses and retail outlets seek approval from the ICCC first before they increase the price of their goods and services,” he said.
“We have our officers out in most provinces and working with the local authorities, including the police, we are imposing hefty spot fines on retail outlets that are found to be in breach of SOE order 19.”
Each infringement notice issued is for any price controlled goods and service, listed under National Emergency Order No. 19 that has had its price increased by more than the five per cent mark.
Ain said the spot fines issued to the shop owners in New Ireland had to be paid within seven days from issuance or they would face further penalties.
The ICCC has to date issued over 70 infringement notices to retail outlets in NCD, Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands and East New Britain with more expected in other provinces once confirmed.
The ICCC also is currently continuing this price monitoring exercise in provinces that were earlier under strict travel restrictions, including Western, East Sepik, West Sepik, East New Britain and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.