The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) will now be reviewing the 2024 Prices Order for the Stevedoring and Handling services provided at Lae and Port Moresby international ports after it recently revoked it, following a direction issue by the National Court. According to a statement released by the ICCC, a comprehensive review undertaking by the ICCC in 2023, determined that the ICCC will apply price controls on stevedoring and handling services provided at the Motukea International Container Terminal Limited in Port Moresby city, and the South Pacific International Container Terminal Limited in Lae city. Based on that pricing review in 2023, the maximum average prices for both international ports were substantially reduced in 2024, which was published in the National Gazette No. G959 of 5th December 2023. According to those approved changes, the 2023 Average Price for Motukea decreased from K572 per TEU to 2024 Maximum average price of K308 per TEU, while for the Lae port, the 2023 Average price of K656 per TEU decreased to the 2024 Maximum average price of K293 per TEU. However, this will now undergo another review after the port operator went against this. “The 2024 Prices Order was immediately suspended following a court order taken by the port operator against the ICCC,” said Mr. Ain. “Mr. Ain advised that through extensive discussions between the ICCC and the parties concerned, and upon a consent direction provided by the National Court, the ICCC proceeded to revoke the 2024 Price Order through the publication of the National Gazette No. G573 of 2024. Now that the 2024 Prices Order has been officially revoked, Mr. Ain reaffirmed that the ICCC will relook at the review process carefully in the Prices Regulation Act (Chapter 320) Consolidate No. 11of the 2008 amended ‘Prices Regulation Act,’ and redo the pricing review using the appropriate and relevant provisions of the Prices Regulation Act. Mr. Ain said all industry stakeholders and the public will be notified of the review process once it recommences. “The ICCC will continue to pursue and promote industry efficiency, protect port users of key services in the maritime sector, and in particular, closely monitor the rates charged at the ports,” Mr. Ain stated.