Deputy challenges price monopoly ( 2003-09-23 11:48) (China Daily)
The price monopoly in public service sectors is again being challenged, this
time in a proposal by a provincial congress deputy.
The Provincial Pricing Bureau said it will focus on monitoring prices in the
railway, postal and education sectors this year, reports Guangzhou Daily.
A pack of instant noodles normally selling for 3 yuan (36 US cents) costs 5
yuan (60 US cents) on trains. Photocopying services offered at government
buildings charge 2 yuan (24 US cents) a copy, compared to 0.2 yuan (2 US cents)
at shops on the street, according to the proposal submitted by Chen Butao, a
delegate to the Provincial People's Political Consultative Conference.
Because no competition exists, "people can only sigh at such exorbitance",
Chen said.
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