Business
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
Picture: Kalemba
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.”
Lakatips
The morning briefing
Zambia’s news, before your first meeting
One email each morning with the headlines that matter, from every newsroom we follow. Free, and one click to stop.
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.
Source: Kalemba — Read more
More to read
All Business →
Y Celeb ft. Vocalist Zm – Dobo Video
Copperbelt rap heavyweight Y Celeb has released a new music video for his latest song, “Dobo,” a record that challenges the stereotypes society often attaches to people who smoke marijuana. The song questions the assumption that marijuana users cannot achieve success, highlighting how quick judgements…
Catholic priest Tyola, UPND’s Bwalya, reportedly reconcile
Catholic priest Father (Fr) Henry Tyola and United Party for National Development (UPND) official Frank Bwalya have reportedly reconciled following a dispute over alleged defamation and cyber-related abuse. Last week, Zambia Monitor reported that Bwalya, had threatened legal action against Fr Tyola over the alleged…
Zambia claims unemployment rate falls to 9.9%, as Western Province worst hit at 20.6%
Zambia’s unemployment rate fell to 9.9 percent in 2025 from 12.9 percent in 2024, while the employment-to-population ratio increased to 37.1 percent, according to the latest labour market survey. The findings were released during the official dissemination of the 2025 Labour Force Survey and Employment…