Retailers in Australia oppose a single clause in pending price-gouging laws , with Coles and Woolworths flagging margin pressures after reporting weaker sales. Comparable sales fell three per cent while its quarterly sales slipped 1.7 per cent.

In Seoul , the ruling party proposed proposed rules requiring beach operators to post mandatory fees to prevent tourist-season spikes.

Meanwhile, UK competition experts see parallels between supermarket price debates and possible upcoming official moves .

The proposals come as governments worldwide seek tools to curb sudden price surges.