American Samoa's Governor Togiola Tulafono has put a measure before lawmakers intended to curb unfair pricing , especially after natural disasters.
Allegations of price gouging surfaced after Cyclone Heta in 2004 and again following Cyclone Olaf this year, which resulted in the formation of a government task force to investigate complaints.
The group , chaired by the attorney general, also reviewed the possibilities of legislation to stop unfair trading.
Togiola said that as the new hurricane season approaches, price gouging is a serious problem which the Territory faces during and after disaster.
Togiola said the purpose of the measure is to define the act of unfair pricing and to provide for the enforcement as well as penalties for this sharp business practice.
