Is the work of a price inspector or monitor legitimate in Islam?

Scholars have differed on the ruling regarding price-fixing. The preponderant opinion is that setting prices, if it serves a public interest during times of high prices or when merchants refuse to sell except at exorbitant rates, and if the regulator is just, then their action is legitimate and rewarded if done seeking the countenance of Allah. However, if circumstances are normal and merchants have not excessively raised prices, then the action of the price regulator is not legitimate.