To keep in check arbitrary price increases on trade, we must hold fast to trade associations, giving full play to their supervisory and coordinating functions, says an article in People's Daily. The following is an excerpt:

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) required on Monday, August 6, that pricing departments at all levels should inspect food manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of their respective regions. Living necessities like grain, oil, meat, poultry, eggs and milk are listed as key items to be checked. Unjustified price activities such as price collusion and price cheating will be strictly examined.

It is noticeable that the NDRC pointed out that relevant trade associations should not plot together to manipulate price in any manner.