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Amid a run on essential items at supermarkets and other food outlets across the country, the Government has announced plans to implement measures to prevent price gouging.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said the measures, which fall under the Trade Act, will be announced later today by Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

With Tropical Storm Melissa expected to strengthen into a hurricane this weekend and likely impact Jamaica, citizens have been stocking up on non-perishable and other essential items, leaving supermarket shelves empty across the country.

Holness, speaking during a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, noted that as these items become scarce, "there may be persons tempted to raise their prices."

"We will not have that in a disaster, and therefore the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce will shortly sign an order to this effect," he declared.

- Livern Barrett

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