Issued: 17th October 2024
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (the Ministry) is closely monitoring the market through the implementation of its ongoing special mass inspection to all businesses in Samoa as well as constant updates of the costings as per documents provided by wholesalers. This is to ensure that they are functioning in a fair competitive operation particularly their compliance with the Price Control Order (No.1) 2023 already in place.
The Ministry has taken note of the public concerns and complains regarding the continuous price hikes of necessity goods therefore, all wholesalers, retailers, and traders are hereby reminded to abide by the stipulated prices as per the Price Control Order (No.1) 2023. Moreover, businesses are strongly advised to not engage in misleading or unfair practices, including false advertising and unnecessary overpricing in order to avoid potential legal consequences and reputational harm. The Ministry will be on standby to address any grievances that will be submitted to the Ministry during the CHOGM week.
Additionally, the public are encouraged to report any suspicious price increases, with supporting evidence such as receipts, to the Fair Trading Division of the Ministry at Toll-Free Line 8004125 or 20441.
We thank you for your attention to this matter and looking forward to your collaboration in upholding the values and principles of fair competition and consumer protection.
Wishing you all a great week of welcoming our Commonwealth Nations to our shores.
