By GABRIEL KATUHO
THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) does not regulate the domestic prices of meat products.
This is according to a statement from the office of the ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer.
The ICCC made this statement following an earlier misleading comments by the Goroka Chamber of Commerce on the hike in prices of lamb flaps in the country.
The ICCC made this statement following an earlier misleading comments by the Goroka Chamber of Commerce on the hike in prices of lamb flaps in the country.
The Chamber commented saying: “The increase in domestic prices of meat products, lamb flaps in particular, are as a result of shortage of stock in Australia and expected shortage in New Zealand due to the Winter Season, against the increased demand from China.”
ICCC however, said this comment is inaccurate and misleading, although the Commission noted that domestic prices for lamb flaps, among other meat products, have increased significantly in the recent months.
ICCC, as the consumer watchdog clarified that all meat products, including lamb flaps that are currently supplied and consumed in PNG are not declared for price regulation under the Prices Regulation Act.
ICCC Commissioner Mr. Paulis Ain said lamb flaps is an imported meat product that is consumed by many households in PNG.
ICCC Commissioner Mr. Paulis Ain said lamb flaps is an imported meat product that is consumed by many households in PNG.
“Most of our lamb flaps supplies are imported from Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
Mr. Ain said whilst the ICCC may agree that the domestic price increase could attribute to the depreciating effect of the Kina’s value against other foreign currencies on import prices, it is equally important to note that the global prices are decreasing and consumer must not be misled.
He further stated that the international prices of ovine (sheep) meat, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have decreased for the third month in July 2023, and remained at 5.1% below its corresponding month a year ago.
“According to FAO, this in owing to increase supplies in Oceania (New Zealand and Australia) and decreased demand in China and Western Europe.
“Therefore, the comments made by the Goroka Chamber of Commerce on the increase in prices of lamb flaps was contradicting the international official observations.”
“Therefore, the comments made by the Goroka Chamber of Commerce on the increase in prices of lamb flaps was contradicting the international official observations.”
He calls on the Goroka Chamber of Commerce not to mislead the consumers and ensure businesses that are importing and distributing lamb flaps to pass on the reductions in international prices to our consumers.
