(KPL) On April 7 — The Vientiane Department of Industry and Commerce has announced a series of measures to control commodity prices and prevent hoarding ahead of the upcoming Lao New Year.

The department said it is collaborating with major markets, shopping centers, import-export companies and convenience store chains — including Big C Mini, 7-Eleven and J-Mart — to sign memorandums of understanding aimed at stabilizing prices and ensuring sufficient supply.

Price controls and regulations

Authorities stated that retailers are prohibited from raising prices without authorization. This restriction applies to all goods, including popular seasonal items such as gift baskets.

Officials also said that businesses must not sell expired or low-quality products. All goods must be properly labeled in the Lao language and must display prices clearly in Lao kip.

Inspection and enforcement

Mrs. Thaddavone Sigasoukhiam, deputy head of the department, said on April 7 that inspection teams from all nine districts will conduct field checks at markets and retail outlets across Vientiane.

She said that enforcement efforts will focus on two categories of goods. Category A includes strictly controlled items such as fuel, cooking gas, sticky rice, pork, tilapia, eggs and poultry. Category B includes imported goods such as fish sauce, soy sauce, monosodium glutamate and other essential products.

She warned that any business found increasing prices without authorization will face legal action under existing regulations.

Supply monitoring and market trends

The department said it is working with provincial and border authorities to monitor the movement of agricultural goods in order to prevent the illegal transport of unapproved products into the capital.

Officials reported that prices remained relatively stable from late 2025 through early 2026. However, recent data from February to March shows that pork prices range between 80,000 and 88,000 kip per kilogram, while eggs range between 70,000 and 75,000 kip.

They said that although vegetable prices have declined, rising fuel costs have contributed to higher prices for imported goods. Despite these pressures, the department said it remains committed to maintaining stable prices for essential domestic products during the holiday period

KPL