GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten has disclosed that TEATT has conducted more than 50 price control inspections so far in 2026 and issued summonses to 16 businesses for violations, as Government continues efforts to strengthen consumer protection and address the cost of living.
Heyliger-Marten provided the figures during the continuation of the 2026 Budget debate while responding to questions about the enforcement of price controls and whether consumers would actually benefit if Government expands tax exemptions on essential goods.
The Minister said TEATT is enforcing provisions under the Price Ordinance, including requirements related to maximum prices and mandatory price indication. The inspections are intended to ensure that businesses comply with the rules governing controlled goods and that consumers are provided with the pricing information required by law.
The disclosure that 16 businesses have already received summonses indicates that TEATT's controls have gone beyond warnings and inspections, with enforcement action being taken where violations are identified.
The issue took on added importance during the debate as Parliament discussed the possibility of expanding tax exemptions on basic necessities. Products raised in that discussion included vegetables, fish, chicken and other meats, pasta, basic hygiene products, cooking gas and menstrual products, among other essentials.
Heyliger-Marten explained that decisions to amend tax legislation and determine which goods qualify for tax exemptions fall primarily under the Ministry of Finance. TEATT, however, can support that process by providing information on essential consumer goods, price developments and affordability.
The Minister also acknowledged a central concern surrounding any tax reduction on essential products: removing a tax does not automatically guarantee that the consumer will see a corresponding reduction at the supermarket or other retail outlets.
Heyliger-Marten said that if additional exemptions are introduced, TEATT supports establishing practical mechanisms to ensure that the benefit is actually passed on to consumers. The Ministry would work with Finance on how such measures could be monitored and enforced, provided that the legal framework and enforcement mechanism are clearly established.
The position means that any future expansion of exemptions on basic necessities could require more than a legislative tax change. Government would also have to consider how prices are monitored before and after the exemption takes effect so that businesses do not simply retain the difference while consumers continue paying the same amount.
The issue is particularly relevant as households continue to face pressure from food prices and other daily expenses. Heyliger-Marten has repeatedly told Parliament that strong tourism and economic performance must ultimately translate into benefits that residents can feel, including through stronger consumer protection and measures addressing affordability.
TEATT's price control responsibilities form part of that effort. While the Ministry cannot determine tax policy on its own, it has responsibility for monitoring and enforcing applicable pricing rules and can provide economic data to support decisions taken across Government.
