Taking note of the rising prices of several essential commodities, the government has agreed to – (a) introduce a measure of price control by fixing a maximum price for edible oil, pulses, canned tomatoes, milk powder, margarine, cheese and canned fish (sardines and pilchards); (b) introduce a subsidy on these products with a view to compensating the loss in revenue to importers, manufacturers and wholesalers or distributors who sell the goods to retailers; (c) re-establish the former Price Observatory in order to provide the public a greater visibility on prices of essential products for more informed buying; and (d) allow the State Trading Corporation to import certain essential products in order to reduce importation costs, stabilise retail price and make the product more accessible and affordable to the general public.