It is sad to witness that the exploitation of people has already begun by those who are taking advantage of the power crisis. This needs to stop and we need a better approach from authorities.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (MCIL) has made it clear that any price hike must be justified and subjected to government scrutiny. A major wholesaler has stated about the potential price increases amid ongoing power outages. If this happens, a chain reaction will follow whereby smaller shops will also increase their prices.

The price of food and other items are already on the steep end and there will be unscrupulous dealers who will try and take advantage of the power crisis. Some already have. There are reports of candles being sold for as much as $25 and in some places $12. The power situation has created a demand for products like batteries, generators and solar-powered lights.

Those who have placed orders abroad for generators must realise the price difference when it is brought into the country compared to buying them from retailers. We are also slowly seeing some retailers taking the opportunity to make a few extra dollars from the situation the people are in. This needs to stop.

Once a wholesaler increases prices, the retailers who buy from the bigger company will offset that price by passing it down to the consumers. Wholesalers have been powering their operations through generators and some feel that prolonged use of generators would increase their costs and this would result in them passing the cost down to consumers.

It is good to know that MCIL is actively monitoring market conditions and conducting inspections to assess the impact of the power crisis on businesses. People have to know that all operational cost increases will undergo thorough scrutiny by the Ministry before any approval is granted.

The Price Control Order (PCO)—which regulated the cost of staple items like rice, sugar, flour, and canned goods—expired in December 2024. The order was implemented to protect consumers from excessive price hikes during economic hardship. While prices for non-essential goods are dictated by market forces, MCIL will take action if price exploitation is reported.

The Ministry has said that it will intervene decisively should consumers report instances of excessive pricing. MCIL has not received formal complaints about price inflation on essentials like candles and batteries but the ministry is conducting proactive inspections to ensure fair pricing.

The current power outage does not justify the excessive pricing of essential items. Consumers should report any instances of suspected price gouging to the Ministry for immediate and thorough investigation. We hope that MCIL has a team that will be making market checks and inspections. Words will not do, there needs to be action from the authorities.

Another concern is frozen food items. Not all stores have generators. During power outages, the shops that do not have backup generators run the risk of spoiling their stock. Some businesses will sell such products to people. The authorities need to ensure that they check all operations.

It is simple, any increase must be based on verifiable cost structures and justified through official channels. That is why a Price Control Order is needed urgently since the last one expired in December 2024.

Three months down the line MCIL is developing a new Price Control Order. The ministry has to carefully review the economic landscape to create a framework that balances consumer protection and business sustainability.

MCIL has urged businesses and consumers to cooperate in maintaining fair trade practices.

It is also important that people report unscrupulous businesses and it is also important that MCIL and other government authorities inspect the market to deter businesses from exploiting people. The national power crisis is already impacting the lives of people, we do not need businesses to use the situation to manipulate the already affected people.