The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has warned fuel retailers and public motor vehicle operators against overcharging consumers amid ongoing concerns surrounding fuel pricing and subsidy delays.
Speaking during a media conference, ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy confirmed that the commission had received reports of some service stations charging above approved fuel prices in Port Moresby and other parts of the country.
Mr. Daggy explained that ICCC currently operates with two pricing structures, the subsidised retail price and the maximum market price.
He said when Government fuel subsidy payments are delayed, retailers are forced to move towards the maximum approved market price.
“That’s what happened around Friday and Saturday,” he said.
However, he stressed that any retailer charging above the approved maximum price would be considered non-compliant and subject to enforcement action.
“We are aware of cases in Port Moresby and outside of Port Moresby and our teams will conduct compliance checks,” Mr. Daggy said.
He clarified that for May, the maximum market prices in Port Moresby were around K6.24 per litre for petrol, K8.35 for diesel and K8.48 for kerosene.
Despite these actual market costs, the Government subsidy has allowed consumers to continue paying March-level prices of around K4.39 for petrol, K4.44 for diesel and K4.49 for kerosene.
Mr. Daggy also raised concerns about PMV operators increasing fares or shortcutting routes due to fuel price fears.
He reminded operators that Government subsidies remain in place, and that regulated PMV fares must still be followed.
“We encourage commuters to report any PMV operators overcharging fares or shortcutting routes. Take a picture of the number plate, route number and send it to us for investigation,” he said.
Mr. Daggy said first-time offenders could face fines of up to K10,000, while repeat offenders could be fined up to K30,000.
He acknowledged that enforcement remains challenging during periods when subsidy payments are delayed but assured the public that ICCC and other regulators are continuing to monitor compliance closely.
Mr. Daggy urged businesses and transport operators to comply with existing laws and regulations while the Government continues implementing the fuel subsidy program.
