The AVP-FUTURO Government continues to fulfill its commitment to strengthen the purchasing power of all Aruban families.
Effective August 15, 2026, the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector, Geoffrey Wever, will introduce a structural supervision system to enforce the Price Law (Bestuurlijke Handhaving Prijzenverordening). With this step, for the first time, the law not only stipulates maximum prices for products in the Basic Basket (Canasta Basico) but is also supported by a control and sanction mechanism to guarantee that the rules are respected by all merchants.
Supervision will be carried out by the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce, and Industry (DEACI), which will conduct regular inspections as well as complaint-based checks to ensure supermarkets and wholesale distributors are respecting the government-set maximum prices and clearly displaying prices on all products. With this amendment to the Price Law, the Government now possesses the legal instrument to impose administrative sanctions (fines) on businesses that fail to comply with legal obligations—meaning those selling products at a higher price than the maximum established by the Minister of Economic Affairs, better known as the “Basic Basket.” This marks a fundamental shift in how the Government protects consumers.
Minister Geoffrey Wever indicated that the main goal of this measure is not to punish merchants, but to create a transparent and reliable system where everyone knows that the prices of essential goods are truly being respected.
“Consumer protection cannot just remain on paper. If the Government determines maximum prices for the Basic Basket, it also has the responsibility to ensure they are followed. With this supervision system, we are completely changing the way we work: from a system that relied primarily on good will, to a system based on control, responsibility, and compliance. This is an important step in our fight to strengthen our people’s purchasing power,” Minister Geoffrey Wever stated.
DEACI inspectors will perform routine inspections and checks based on complaints. During these inspections, they will verify if prices exceed the maximum prices set by the government and if all products have price indications. When an infraction is detected, an order subject to a penalty payment (last onder dwangsom) or an administrative fine can be imposed in accordance with current legal procedures. The focus is on creating a consistent and equal system for all merchants, with clear rules and impartial execution.
Minister Wever emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the consumer’s position, increase market transparency, and contribute to an economy where the benefits of economic growth are felt inside the home of every family.
“You cannot measure a strong economy solely through macroeconomic figures. The measure of success that counts is whether a mother can buy her basic basket with more security, if a pensioner can trust that prices are fair, and if every citizen knows that the Government is protecting their interests. This is exactly what we are achieving with this reform,” Minister Wever commented.
With the implementation of Price Law supervision, the AVP-FUTURO Government takes another important step in its agenda to strengthen purchasing power, protect consumers, and modernize the instruments that guarantee a fairer and more transparent market for Aruba.