Retailers in the region oppose a single clause in pending price-gouging laws , with major grocers flagging margin pressures after reporting weaker sales. Comparable sales fell three per cent while the rival said sales slid 1.7 per cent .

In Seoul , the ruling party proposed a bill requiring beach operators to post mandatory fees to prevent summer price surges .

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.