The sudden spike in the cost of basic goods has prompted multiple inspections from the authorities and members of the public have been urged to report the overpriced items. 

The Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) for the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.), Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling said a price order has already been issued and distributed to shops and is still in effect. 

The calculation of prices is based on the landed costs using a markup formula which is inclusive of V.A.G.S.T. and in-built transportation costs.

Pulotu said the sudden surge in some goods is due to an increase in the cost of imported items and the Ministry has to check the import entry from companies, especially for basic goods.   

 In that event, he said M.C.I.L. has to verify if the price on the shelf adds up with the import costs and why it could differ from the price order. 

“But if the cost of goods is cheap but the shops push up the prices that can lead to legal repercussions,” said Pulotu. 

“We encourage the public to report incidents of price spikes on goods but not go on social media. 

“We continue to carry out inspections to ensure that shops are complying with the price order and our Competition and Consumer Commission has just started their work and recently appointed.” 

Wholesalers, retailers, and traders have been warned in the past, especially when there is a shortage of goods to refrain from hiking prices.  

Members of the public have expressed frustration at the surge in the cost of goods recently due to a shortage in chicken, sugar and other basic needs.

Because of the shortage families are still purchasing expensive meat at the stores despite the high cost of living.