Antigua and Barbuda Government Orders Bi-Weekly Reports on Price Reductions

Government Orders Bi-Weekly Reports on Price Reductions

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has ordered the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division to report back every two weeks on whether recent tax and duty reductions are being passed on to consumers, as part of stepped-up monitoring of retail pricing.

Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said Cabinet issued the directive after receiving reports of uneven compliance among retailers following recent cost-of-living relief measures.

“Government advised the Prices and Consumer Affairs officials that they should return to Cabinet every two weeks to give an update on whether or not the benefits are being passed on to consumers,” Merchant said during the weekly Cabinet briefing.

Cabinet was told that inspection teams have been monitoring supermarkets and retail outlets across the island, with mixed results.

“While some retailers, particularly the major supermarket chains, have demonstrated some partial compliance, inspectors have encountered reluctance from several suppliers and retailers to provide invoices and pricing documentation,” Merchant said.

He noted that the documentation is required under existing legislation to verify whether reductions in taxes and duties are reflected in retail prices.

“The law requires, in order for the officials to assess whether or not the reduction in taxes and duties has been passed on to consumers, they must see documentation,” Merchant said.

Cabinet has stressed that the objective of the policy is to ensure consumers benefit directly from government measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.

“The benefits must pass on to the consumers,” Merchant said, adding that reducing taxes and duties is intended to provide relief from imported inflation.

The bi-weekly reporting requirement forms part of broader efforts by Cabinet to strengthen oversight, improve enforcement and ensure transparency as amendments to existing price control laws are prepared.

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