Strengthening Monitoring and Preventing Abnormal Price Hikes to Protect Citizens' Wallets

To address the supply status of essential goods in the Chiayi area and prevent abnormal price fluctuations due to increased demand, the Taiwan Chiayi District Prosecutors Office (hereinafter "the Office") proactively implemented the Executive Yuan’s price stabilization policy today (April 7). Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-shi appointed Prosecutor Zhang Jian-qiang to lead a cross-agency inspection team. The team, comprising members from the Chiayi County Station of the Investigation Bureau (Ministry of Justice), the Chiayi County Police Bureau, and the Chiayi County Government’s Consumer Protection Officer, Department of Economic Development, and Government Ethics Department, conducted on-site inspections and supply assessments at essential goods manufacturing plants in Minxiong, Zhuqi, and other areas.

The primary focus of this inspection was to monitor supply-demand dynamics, stabilize the supply chain to curb inflation, and evaluate the impact of upstream production capacity on retail prices. The inspection results indicated that:

• Large-Scale Retail Supply: Company A, a supplier for a major American warehouse club, has maintained stability in raw material imports, production costs, and wholesale prices. Consumers purchasing related products through large retail channels need not worry about price gouging.

• Small and Medium-Scale Supply Adjustments: Regarding Company B’s shrinking supply of flat poly bags due to decreased upstream raw material production, the Office is monitoring the situation closely and has urged relevant units to prevent wholesalers from intentionally hiking prices under the pretext of shortages.

Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-shi stated, "Stable market prices are the cornerstone of public welfare." He emphasized that the Office will continue to monitor the rhythm of market supply and demand to ensure no disruption in the supply chain of essential goods, allowing citizens to purchase necessities at fair and reasonable prices. The Office will continue to utilize the "Platform for the Investigation of Crimes Against Public Welfare," employing a dual-track approach of administrative guidance and criminal investigation. This ensures real-time monitoring to prevent price fluctuations from harming consumer rights. Any attempts to disrupt fair market order for private gain will be dealt with severely and without leniency.

Photo Caption: Prosecutor Zhang Jian-qiang of the Office, accompanied by officials from the Chiayi County Investigation Station, Consumer Protection Officer, Department of Economic Development, Government Ethics Department, and the Chiayi County Police Bureau, conducts a joint inspection at a plastic manufacturing plant within the jurisdiction.