Cost of Living: A Special Committee Established to Examine Market Prices

In response to ongoing concerns regarding the cost of living, the government has decided to establish an inter-ministerial committee tasked with reviewing pricing practices across various sectors of the economy. This decision was approved during the Cabinet meeting on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Chaired by the Prime Minister, the committee will particularly focus on markets identified as monopolistic or quasi-monopolistic, with the aim of proposing recommendations to better protect consumers and ensure fairer pricing practices.

The committee will include the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Gender Equality and Family Welfare, the Minister of Housing and Land, the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, the Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, and the Minister of Industry, SMEs and Cooperatives.