TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s justice ministry said Thursday that it has launched nationwide inspections to curb hoarding and price gouging of plastic products.
CNA reported that the first wave of joint inspections was triggered by signs of unusual stockpiling and rising prices in the market. Authorities stressed a zero-tolerance policy, warning that violators will face swift and strict legal action.
The inspections followed a series of inter-agency meetings reviewing supply conditions and price trends in essential goods. Authorities said recent oil supply shortages, which affect petrochemical production, have disrupted output and led to fluctuations in plastic prices.
On Tuesday, the justice ministry coordinated with the ministries of economic affairs, finance, and agriculture, as well as the Fair Trade Commission, Consumer Protection Committee, and Investigation Bureau, to carry out joint checks. The inspections focus on inventory levels, pricing behavior, and potential market manipulation.
At the same time, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office activated a cross-agency platform to combat crimes affecting daily necessities. Local prosecutors’ offices nationwide have been instructed to work with police and administrative agencies to strengthen enforcement efforts, UDN reported.
Officials added that anti-corruption units and local governments are monitoring supply and pricing data in real time to ensure closer coordination between administrative inspections and criminal investigations.
As of Tuesday, prosecutors’ offices across Taiwan had issued statements underscoring their determination to maintain market order. Authorities said the measures send a clear signal that illegal hoarding and price manipulation will not be tolerated, per Yahoo News.
