Samoa’s Ministry of Commerce is clamping down on traders intentionally taking advantage of COVID-19 shortages to raise cost of goods.
Samoa Observer reports the Ministry announced the reintroduction of Price Control Orders (P.C.O.) as part of the Covid State of Emergency.
In a statement the Ministry said the orders were needed to protect consumers from traders seeking to profit by increasing to unreasonable levels.
The latest price control order took effect December 23, 2021.
“All traders are required to display the P.C.O. in their shops, where customers are able to view,” the statement said.
Non-compliance with the orders constitutes a breach of state emergency orders and carries possible fines or prosecution.
“Customers are advised to inform M.C.I.L. or the Ministry of Police of any breach of the Price Control Order,” the Ministry said.
