Government is not calling for price controls but fair pricing, Ministry of Commerce clarifies

THE Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has moved to clarify recent remarks made by the Minister Chipoka Mulenga on pricing of essential goods, saying the government is not planning to dictate or control prices but merely advocating for fair pricing.

This follows earlier reports suggesting that the government might introduce uniform prices for items such as fertiliser, cooking oil and sugar, which raised questions among businesses owners.

According to a statement by the Ministry, the government wants businesses to be responsible and fair in setting their prices, in line with the improving economic situation.

“The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, is not calling for price controls,” the Ministry stated.

“What the Minister is advocating for is fair pricing that reflects the current macroeconomic environment.”

Mulenga noted that with the Kwacha stabilising, inflation coming down and fuel prices relatively low, consumers should be able to feel the benefits.

He further urged producers and other industry players to pass on these gains to ordinary Zambians rather than keeping prices artificially high.

Mulenga said the government’s stance is to ensure that businesses are free to operate without government interference, however, with a responsibility to treat consumers fairly.