Our Law

The Price Control Act, Chapter 142 regulates the prices of items specified in the law to safeguard their accessibility for consumers.

It is important to note that not all goods sold in Brunei Darussalam are regulated under this law. Price intervention through the Price Control Act is applied only to essential goods, with public policy justification. This approach allows the prices of other goods to be determined by the free market, based on the fundamental economic forces of demand and supply, thereby supporting a healthy and competitive business environment.

There are 11 items listed in the Act as regulated goods, including essential and subsidized items. Specifically, they are as follows:

1.   Rice (acquired and supplied by the Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy)
2.   Sugar (acquired and supplied by the Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy)
3.   Formulated powdered milk (for infants to 6 years of age)
4.   Motor Gasoline, RON 97
5.   Motor Gasoline, RON 92
6.   Motor Gasoline, RON 88
7.   Automotive gas oil, Diesel
8.   Kerosene
9.   Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
10. Cooking oils (canola, corn, palm, vegetables, sunflower and soya bean)
11. Passenger motor vehicles

The Department of Consumer Affairs is also responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the subsidiary legislation under the Price Control Act, namely the Price Display Order and the Cheap Sale Price Regulations.

Price Display Order

The Price Display Order promotes information transparency in the marketplace, helping consumers make informed purchase decisions. It requires businesses to clearly and accurately display the prices of goods.

Cheap Sale Price Regulations

The Cheap Sale Price Regulations ensures accurate and fair cheap sale price activities. Businesses that wish to conduct a cheap sale price event should notify the Department of Consumer Affairs. More information on cheap sales is available here.

Seasonal Maximum Price Setting initiative

The Department implements and enforces the Seasonal Maximum Price Setting for selected food items during the months of Ramadhan and Syawal each year. This initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, aims to maintain the affordability and accessibility of essential food items during the festive season. The items covered under the seasonal price control include whole chicken, chicken eggs, butter, margarine, ghee, flour and milk. This list is subject to review from time to time to ensure relevancy.

The price list of controlled food items is published annually through a press release to inform the public.