New price limits to protect consumers
February 11, 2026 10:19 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara & Kizzy Kalsakau.
With complaints rising over overcharging and inconsistent pricing across shops, the Bureau of Price Monitoring and Consumer Affairs (BoPMCA) is moving to tighten regulation of essential goods, aiming to protect consumers while keeping businesses sustainable.
During the Capitol FM107 Talkback show, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BoPMCA Lizzie Taura Jovinmal said the office is stepping up efforts to address overcharging by some shops across Port Vila and other parts of Vanuatu.
She acknowledged growing concerns from consumers about inconsistent pricing and frequent increases in everyday goods. “Many stores are changing prices frequently, sometimes adding extra charges without proper justification,” she said, noting that consumers and authorities must work together to curb unfair practices and ensure businesses respect regulated pricing.
CEO Jovinmal explained that over the past two years, the Bureau has been actively monitoring prices nationwide and working with the Price Monitoring Board to set fair profit and overhead margins for traders. A national price study conducted across several islands was submitted in November 2025.
Following this review, the Board approved new measures in December covering common goods and selected hardware items. The rules aim to regulate profit margins—the earnings businesses make after expenses—and overhead costs, ensuring traders can continue operating while preventing excessive price increases.
The Bureau is currently consulting with traders before finalising the decisions. “It is very important that we work closely with all traders and consult with them before enforcement,” the CEO said. “We must reach a balanced decision that protects consumers while allowing businesses to remain viable.”
Around 25 commonly used goods are expected to be included under price regulation, including rice, sugar, milk, diapers, canned fish, cooking oil, and flour, along with hardware items such as cement, wires, and building materials. Once consultations are completed and approved by the Minister, the regulations will be issued as a ministerial order and enforced nationwide.
CEO Jovinmal said the regulations may run for an initial 12-month period to provide immediate relief for consumers. Price controls may apply to specific brands and product sizes to ensure affordability while maintaining supply. She noted the importance of working with traders to ensure continuity of supply, given Vanuatu’s reliance on imported goods.
Alongside price controls, the Bureau is also advancing broader competition and consumer protection reforms expected to be submitted to Parliament this year. The reforms aim to strengthen consumer rights, require accurate product information and labelling, and improve mechanisms for complaints and redress.
Consumers are encouraged to report concerns or complaints directly to BoPMCA via email, phone, or in person. The office says its goal is to create a fair and stable economy that supports both businesses and consumers.
