KPL
The Vientiane Industry and Commerce Department has intensified efforts to monitor the pricing and supply of consumer goods to prevent profiteering and ensure price stability during the festive season. The initiative spans the International New Year through the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year celebrations.
Ms. Saynarone Chundara, Deputy Director of Vientiane Industry and Commerce Department
(KPL) The Vientiane Industry and Commerce Department has intensified efforts to monitor the pricing and supply of consumer goods to prevent profiteering and ensure price stability during the festive season. The initiative spans the International New Year through the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year celebrations.
“With increased demand during these periods, some vendors might exploit the situation by unreasonably raising prices,” said Ms. Saynarone Chundara, Deputy Director of the department, in a media briefing on December 26.
Inspection teams, comprising trade officials, police, and administrative authorities, have been deployed to oversee pricing practices and ensure that prices are properly displayed in Lao Kip. The measures are guided by Decree No. 474/PM, which mandates penalties for businesses engaging in price manipulation. Persistent violators face fines under Article 26 of the decree, following warnings and required training sessions.
Ms. Saynarone highlighted that while the Lao PDR’s price control policy is market-driven, state intervention ensures a balance between supply and demand to protect consumers. Businesses can set competitive prices, but government oversight will be enforced when necessary.
The department employs two key regulatory methods, including direct price control: certain essential goods in category A are subject to government-mandated price caps of farm pork: 49,000 Kip/kg (maximum), grade 1 pork: 85,000 Kip/kg; grade 2 pork: 75,000 Kip/kg, sticky rice (Grade 2): 17,000 Kip/kg (retail); 15,500 Kip/kg (wholesale), tilapia fish: 40,000 Kip/kg (farm price); 44,000 Kip/kg (wholesale) and price monitoring: Non-controlled goods are subject to continuous oversight to ensure fair pricing.
“To strengthen enforcement, the department encourages the public to report instances of price hikes, overpricing, or stockpiling for profit,” Ms. Saynarone added. Reports can be made via hotline numbers 030 5052 603 or 030 5026 806.
The department remains committed to protecting consumers and maintaining fair pricing throughout the festive season and beyond.
KPL
