Why do these politicians even pretend that there is anything more to price increases other than profit motive? Is there any theory on how prices might be modera

Why do these politicians even pretend that there is anything more to price increases other than profit motive? Is there any theory on how prices might be moderated other than competition or regulation? Even competition might be inadequate if barriers to enter the market are significant and the competitors pay attention to each others open pricing signals and keep a unified front.