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Governor Togiola to appoint task force to investigate increase in prices for local consumers
The increase in the prices of goods being sold at different local stores has resulted in complaints being lodged by consumers who are irate with the higher prices.
The complaints have been made known to Governor Togiola Tulafono who announced during his weekend radio program that he will be appointing a task force to look into the matter.
One of the items that has been marked up is rice, which has nearly doubled in price compared to several weeks ago. Currently, there is a shortage of rice in the territory and the next shipment is expected to arrive before the end of the month, at which time yet another price increase is expected to be implemented on it.
Other items like chicken are also being tagged and sold for higher prices. Some store owners who spoke to the Tapuitea revealed that the increase in the price of goods is their response to the continuous rise in the price of fuel. Basically, they believe marking up the prices will help ensure a little profit for them as they try to keep up with the increases in the prices of not only goods purchased, but also the costs being imposed for shipping, as well as duty and taxes.
Nonetheless, the Governor said his appointment of a task force to look further into the matter is to find out if the increases are part of unfair business practices. If so, he added, the government will use existing laws to file a case and take legal action in court against the businesses involved.
Togiola reminded his weekend listeners that the process will take some time and by the time the review is complete and if any wrongdoings are discovered, the shortage of rice will be resolved and will no longer be an issue.
Meanwhile, according to media reports from around the globe, the prices for rice and wheat could see an increase of about 100% this year as the prices of consumable products around the world continue to soar due to the skyrocketing rise in oil prices.
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