Commerce Ministry Orders Price Monitoring in Flood-Hit Areas
The Commerce Ministry is monitoring prices and supplies in flood-affected areas, ordering provincial offices to track essential goods and prevent shortages or price gouging. Residents can report unfair pricing or hoarding to the Department
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Sutthamnuanpong revealed on September 26 that the Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring heavy rainfall and flooding situations, instructing relevant agencies to ensure supplies do not run short and prices remain fair. The ministry is coordinating with businesses to deliver essential goods and supplies to affected areas. Provincial commerce offices nationwide have been ordered to closely track supply levels and prices of essential goods, and report on affected areas and public needs so the ministry can rapidly mobilize aid and route supplies efficiently. The Commerce Ministry previously used this approach during past flooding by having provincial commerce offices coordinate with wholesalers, retailers, and local businesses to maintain stock levels and report transportation issues if support is needed. The public can file complaints about unfair pricing, product shortages, hoarding, or missing price tags at the Department of Internal Trade hotline 1569 or provincial commerce offices nationwide for investigation and legal enforcement.
