A PRAKAS issued in June to regulate the price of consumer goods  has boosted trade in Phnom Penh's markets and reduced conflicts in bargaining, say government officials.

Chheav Pha, head of the Market Management and Development Bureau at the Ministry of Commerce, said the government edict, which now requires market vendors across the country to post price lists for their goods, was first enforced in six markets in the capital: Pochentong, Deumkor, Central, O'Russey, Olympic and Chbar Ompov.

"We have seen that almost all traders have complied and buyers have responded positively," Chheav Pha told the Post last week.

Vendors are required to display a list of goods and services in front of their shops, with prices in riel, he said.

Vendors wanting to list goods in US currency must obtain permission from the ministry's Trade Department.

Anyone not complying with the order will be subject to a fine of between 50,000 riels and 500,000 riels (US$12.20 to $122), he said.

"We will try to cooperate with all free markets, post offices and relevant ministries across 24 municipalities and provinces to conduct monthly checks," he said.

Preap Sovann, deputy chief of Chbar Ompov market in Phnom Penh, said about 90 percent of the 1,418 market stall owners have followed the new guidelines, but that some of the vegetable and fruit vendors have not yet posted prices.

Sok Bunreth, a home products seller at Chbar Ompov since 1983, said the new price lists make his business more efficient.

"However, there are still customers who want to bargain," he said.