‘Blue Flag’ initiative aimed at cushioning impact of oil-driven inflation

The Commerce Ministry plans to open “Blue Flag” outlets as alternative sources of reasonably priced consumer products to help ease the financial burden on consumers as the cost of living continues to rise, driven by higher oil prices.

Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said today that the ministry has been closely monitoring and regulating the prices of consumer products to prevent traders from taking advantage of consumers.

She said that certain products are classified as “controlled”, meaning their prices cannot be increased without permission from the Internal Trade Department. These include instant noodles, canned fish, powdered milk, pesticides, fertiliser and animal feed. She added that manufacturers have not yet sought permission to adjust prices.

There are other controlled products for which manufacturers must notify authorities of any planned price increases. These include detergent, shampoo, dishwashing liquid, packaged rice and fish sauce.

The minister said that the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services will be used to review the list of controlled products and determine whether more items should be added.