The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) of Papua New Guinea conducted a two-day enforcement operation in Manus Province from March 13 to 14, 2025, during which nine retail stores were served with infringement notices for breaching Price Control Measure No. 4 of 2023.
The ICCC enforcement team in Manus confirmed that several retailers had increased the prices of regulated essential goods by more than the allowable 10% limit without obtaining prior approval from the Commission.
In accordance with relevant regulations, each non-compliant store was fined K10,000, underscoring the ICCC’s firm commitment to consumer protection amid ongoing inflationary pressures.
The price control measure covers essential goods such as rice, flour, sugar, infant formula, cooking oil, soap, fresh chicken, canned fish, canned meat, and frozen meat products.
Inspectors found that many stores in Lorengau had raised prices of these regulated goods beyond the allowable threshold.
In addition, five retailers were found to be compliant, two stores were closed during the inspection, and one could not be located.
During the operation, some shop staff admitted to lowering prices at the last minute after learning about the ICCC’s visit, a practice enforcement officers described as “common.”
Some retailers claimed that price increases were due to higher supplier costs and rising freight charges, and indicated their intention to appeal the notices.
The ICCC reiterated that any retailer wishing to increase prices of declared goods by more than 10% must obtain prior written approval.
The Commission urged all businesses in Manus Province to strictly adhere to the regulations and maintain transparency in their pricing practices.
Inspectors also noted that some stores had replaced the 340g Ox & Palm corned beef with a smaller 320g version while keeping the price unchanged—an act that could mislead consumers. Retailers were cautioned to avoid such practices.
The ICCC called on all business entities to strictly comply with the price control measure to safeguard consumers’ legal rights and interests.
