Retailers in the country oppose a clause in pending price-gouging laws , with major grocers flagging margin pressures after reporting weaker sales. Coles recorded a three per cent drop in comparable sales while Woolworths said its sales slipped 1.7 per cent last quarter .
In the South Korean capital , the ruling party proposed a bill requiring beach operators to post mandatory fees to prevent seasonal price hikes .
Meanwhile, UK competition experts see parallels between supermarket price debates and possible actions.
The proposals come as governments worldwide seek tools to curb sudden price surges.