Should the price of pork be better regulated?

Vientiane authorities say there will be enough pork to meet the needs of consumers over Lao New Year, and also that the price will be capped at 52,000 kip per kilogram. As people draw up shopping lists ahead of the festivities, Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their thoughts on price regulation.
 

Ms Ting, a resident of Xaysettha district: I’m glad that the price of pork is being closely monitored because my family likes to eat a lot of this meat. It would be even better if the price of other products was also better regulated. Of course, things sold in small markets are more expensive because they are bought from wholesalers. The sectors involved should carry out more checks on prices being charged in markets and identify people who are breaking the rules. In addition, every market should have accurate scales that shoppers can use to ensure they’re not being cheated.
 
Ms Davanh Xayavong, a city resident: It will be good if the authorities can ensure that this price cap is adhered to. I’ve had to pay 58,000 kip per kilogram at some shops. I think it’s important to cap the price of pork because most people eat more pork than other kinds of meat. It also helps people to save money that they can spend on other food, such as vegetables and fruit. If possible, the authorities should conduct checks at every market in the country to make sure that all vendors are complying with the rules. The authorities should strictly monitor prices and carry out inspections to catch wrongdoers. And price caps should be widely publicised so that everyone is aware of them, which would benefit both consumers and vendors.

Ms Thone Chanthaphoumy, a pork-seller at the Dongdok Campus market: I agree with the measures put in place to control the price of pork and hope that wholesalers will respect the regulations and sell pork at a fair price. I sympathise with consumers and want to sell pork as cheaply as I can but I have to recoup the money I paid when I bought the meat from wholesalers. I think the authorities should strictly control the price of pork and other food and regularly carry out inspections of producers and wholesalers because the daily rates are based on wholesalers’ rates. The authorities should also carry out more checks on market vendors to protect buyers. If possible, the price of pork should be reduced throughout the country as this would help to reduce everyone’s daily expenses.

Ms Khambieng Phaimany, a government official in Xaythany district: It’s good that the authorities are keeping an eye on the price of pork. But some vendors at small markets are selling pork for 55,000-60,000 kip per kilogram. I know that retailers cannot sell meat at the same price as wholesalers, but they should play by the rules and not charge more than the set price. The authorities should closely monitor the price being charged for pork by all market vendors in Vientiane. If they find anyone selling it at a price higher than has been set, the authorities should penalise them. It would also be better if the price of other food was kept to a minimum, because the cost of many items is too high compared to the salaries earned by civil servants. And all products should be of better quality. Everyone should pay attention to news about food or product prices, to ensure we’re not cheated.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update April 5, 2022)