There are reports of price gouging in American Samoa with the price of a packet of cigarettes jumping to $US15 in recent weeks.
The cost of a packet of cigarettes is currently about $20. Photo: 123RF
Last year the price rose to $US8 after a rise in excise tax.
Four weeks ago the price jumped further after reports of a cigarette shortage.
The high prices have prompted smokers to complain to lawmakers who have raised questions about the law around price gouging.
The Attorney-General, Talauega Eleasalo, told lawmakers businesses are prohibited from increasing prices by ten percent or more only when the governor declares a state of emergency.
He says American Samoa operates under a free market system but advised people who've seen sudden rises due to a shortage to provide details so the Consumer Protection Bureau could investigate.
