Trade authorities only have influence on the price of essential products within the domestic market.
The word from Trade Director Mathan Walter, who explained the price-controlled items here are cement and petroleum products. He noted that all other products are influenced by market forces of demand and supply.
The economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis means that there has been a rise in the cost of the basket of goods on the world market, and that impacts the price on the domestic market.
Walter says any concerns over suspected price gouging is handled by liaising with the private sector like was done after Hurricane Maria.
