The Consumer Council of Fiji is now looking into complaints received from members of the public that some shops are not selling items that fall under price control effective from today.
Chief executive Premila Kumar said many shoppers were expecting to do shopping at a cheaper price however when they entered certain supermarkets the shelves were empty.
Fijivillage news also took a tour and found that in a certain supermarket in Suva, the shelves for dairy products were empty and when we asked for the price of lamb chops, we were informed that there were no lamb chops being sold today as well.
When the supermarket was asked, the reply was that their technicians are still working on their pricing machine and therefore no lamb chops were being sold.
Kumar said that this is unjust to the shoppers as ample time had been given to supermarkets.
She added that the supermarket owners, traders and wholesalers should remember that taking products off the shelves is non compliance and this entails a hefty fine.
Any retailer and trader found in violation of the Price Control Order will be imposed a spot fine up to $10,000 payable within 21 days or face legal proceedings and pay a fine up to $20,000.
The Fiji Consumer Association secretary Paras Sukul has called on members of the public to be vigilant when shopping.
Fijivillage news today noticed many shoppers out in numbers taking advantage of the new pricing however some expressed disappointment at how certain items were missing from the shelves.
Meanwhile Commerce Commission Chairman Doctor Mahendra Reddy confirmed that a one month period had been given to the Supermarkets to raise their queries and adds complaints have also been brought to their attention.
Doctor Reddy said they are currently looking into the matter and will be monitoring the Supermarkets for the next week before any action is taken.
There are also reductions for all brands of tinned fish, sardines, tuna flakes, edible oil, baby food, baby milk, powdered milk, liquid milk, tea, corned beef and mutton, noodles, margarine and imported butter.
There are also reductions for potatoes, onions, garlic and split peas.
Story by: Paradise Tabucala
