More Inspectors to Crack Down on High Prices Across Belize
Public complaints of price gouging and the high cost of living remain a major concern for Belizean consumers. In response, the government has expanded the Supplies Control Unit, doubling its staff and opening two new regional offices to strengthen enforcement of price control regulations.
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Controller of Supplies Lennox Nicholson confirmed the unit has grown from five officers in two offices to 11 staff across four offices, with new branches in Orange Walk Town and Independence Village serving the northern and southern districts.
“ The primary focus for us is matters having to do with price controls. So you would have seen in previous releases where we published the names of entities that we found in violations and issued tickets to and things of that nature,” Nicholson told News 5.
He said the expansion also brings additional vehicles, office space, and resources to support increased inspections in the retail sector. From June 9th to 11th, the new staff underwent specialised training at the National Police Training Academy, covering constitutional rights, inspection procedures, evidence gathering, and courtroom protocols to ensure professional and effective enforcement.
Nicholson acknowledged that the unit’s small size previously limited its ability to respond to public complaints, especially since only a narrow range of goods fell under regulation. With expanded jurisdiction, inspectors now conduct routine and random inspections, targeting both large establishments that serve many customers and smaller rural shops where violations are more likely.
Established as a standalone body in October 2021, the Supplies Control Unit oversees regulated goods, including fuel, LPG, and basic grocery items, with laws mandating maximum markups of 15 to 20%. Nicholson said inspectors will ensure businesses stay within those limits, preventing excessive charges that burden consumers.