PM says gov't to move to prevent storm price gouging
Published:Friday | October 24, 2025 | 4:23 PM
Amid a run on some essential items at supermarkets and other food outlets across Jamaica, the Government has announced that it will impose measures to prevent price gouging.
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says the measures, which fall under the Trade Act, will be announced later today by Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
With Tropical Storm Melissa expected to strengthen into a hurricane this weekend and likely impact Jamaica, citizens have been stocking up on non-perishable and other essential items, leaving empty supermarket shelves across the country.
Holness, who was speaking during a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, noted that as these items become scarce, “there may be persons tempted to raise their prices”.
“We will not have that in a disaster, and there the minister of industry, investment and commerce will shortly sign an order to this effect,” he declared.
- Livern Barrett
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