The state antitrust agency has opened an inquiry into the price of sanitary pads, after President Lee Jae Myung asked during a recent policy briefing why the products are more expensive than in other countries.

According to industry sources on Wednesday, the Fair Trade Commission(FTC) sent investigators to the three domestic pad manufacturers — Yuhan-Kimberly, LG Unicharm and Kleannara — to conduct field inspections.

The FTC plans to collect documents from the three companies and look into whether there has been any price-fixing or price gouging in violation of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act.

The state agency could issue correction orders, levy fines or even seek criminal punishment if it uncovers violations.

The inquiry will also focus on the accuracy of premium product labels claiming the presence of organic materials or traditional Korean medicinal ingredients.