ICCC WARNS EL NINO COULD TRIGGER SOE IF SITUATION WORSENS

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) is urging Papua New Guineans to prepare for worst-case scenarios, as a prolonged El Niño dry spell threatens household budgets and essential services across the country.

The warning follows months of alerts from the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service, which has been advising the nation on a looming dry season crisis since May.

In a statement, ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Roy Daggy, said the extended dry weather threatens food security, elevates the cost of living, and strains critical infrastructure.

He warned that consumers will face severe financial strain as widespread agricultural disruptions and failing infrastructure drive up the costs of food, utilities, and transportation.

The ICCC also warned that the prolonged dry spell could cripple the domestic market conditions which may trigger a State of Emergency (SOE).

Mr Daggy says while the ICCC holds standard powers to regulate prices for select essential goods, including flour, sugar, rice, fuel, water, sanitation, and public transport; a formal SOE declaration by the Head of State will trigger special emergency powers under the Prices Regulation Act.

“Once activated, these special powers allow the consumer watchdog to implement highly targeted price controls, legally block businesses from unfairly raising prices, and stop opportunistic price gouging during the national crisis,’’ Mr Daggy said.

Although this has not happened yet, the consumer watchdog says it will continue to work with other stakeholder to monitor nationwide business conduct under consumer protection laws.

In the meantime, the ICCC is urging citizens to immediately take practical steps to safeguard their homes by conserving water, electricity, and food while actively cutting unnecessary household expenses.