Price gauging ensues as lockdown descends on Tonga

15 Dec Price gauging ensues as lockdown descends on Tonga

A public message issued from the Department of Labor and Commerce warning consumers of potential price gauging as witnessed before in previous lockdown. The message has been for the public to stay alert to prices, should they feel it has lifted they should ask for a receipt with itemized purchases and prices and can launch an investigation when they are available to do so. These receipts can allow for the Department to follow up and return differences of the prices to the consumers.

While the consumers are feeling the strain of rising prices on goods and services, many fear that this will only become a larger issue as COVID-19 further complicates imports and deters efficient unloading of goods from the wharf as staff are sent home during the lockdown.

While the lockdown poses many risks, its impact is far reaching. People without proper safeguards during the lockdown may lose important sources of income. For many rural communities concerns around sources of income abruptly halting affects their capacity to purchase goods and services moving forward through the lockdown.

Media representatives have urged government officials during press conferences to weigh in on possible aid or subsidies for private sector and vulnerable households during the lockdown. For the time being there are talks of at least assistance in utility bills however amid these concerns the coming lockdown and its impact on many still remains largely shaky.

Displaced populations from Ha’apai and islands to the immediate North of Tongatapu have been evacuated to Tongatapu and still are awaiting plans for the government to finalize relocation programs. This inevitably has been pushed back as the government focuses on COVID-19 outbreak. Previously, these displaced populations have been scattered amongst community church halls and others have sought shelter in families and relatives. They have been fed and clothed for the most part by the public however as the voracity of the pandemic may strain the much needed assistance to these population.