WE DON’T MAKE FISCAL POLICY’: ICCC CLARIFIES ROLE IN PNG FUEL SUBSIDY

CAPTION: ICCC Commissioner and CEO, Mr Roy Daggy.

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) does not dictate fiscal policy, grant legislative tax exemptions, or source subsidy funding, clarified ICCC Commissioner and CEO, Mr Roy Daggy.

In a press conference, the Commissioner clarified that the ICCC serves strictly as Papua New Guinea’s economic regulator and consumer watchdog. Its mandate is to enforce fair business competition, cap prices on select government-regulated goods, and protect consumers from deceptive trade practices.

He adds that the ICCC does not manage government spending, cannot grant tax cuts or waive taxes for businesses, and does not distribute government cash or financial handouts.

This clarification addresses widespread public misconceptions regarding the ICCC’s role on the high-level state task force established by the Marape-Rosso Government to shield global market challenges and their impact on domestic fuel prices.

“We stand between businesses, consumers, and the government. We ensure that whatever fuel price is passed through to the people is affordable and reasonable, while also ensuring that fuel supply businesses make a fair return on their investment,” the Commissioner said.

He explained that as a member of the high-level state task force, the ICCC works alongside other government agencies and key fuel industry stakeholders.

This collaborative effort ensures alignment on subsidy mechanisms and guarantees that relevant policies and laws remain practical and applicable.

The Commissioner commended the government’s bold interventions in implementing the fuel relief package, which has effectively shielded citizens and businesses from the severe shocks of volatile global energy prices.