Following concerns raised about the unjustified price increase for the 750ml bottle of ghee, the Consumer Council of Fiji has written to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.
In an interview with fijivillage News, CEO Seema Shandil says as we are nearing the festive season and ghee is an important part of Diwali, the prices are hiked up.
Shandil says the price surge adds burden on consumers as many households are already reeling from the pressure of rising living costs.
She says some major supermarkets in the Suva-Nausori corridor have revealed a staggering increase in the price of a 750ml bottle of ghee, rising from an average of $24.02 in August to $31.24.
The CEO says ghee is in high demand for religious ceremonies, traditional cooking and family gatherings and even though it's not price controlled, the sudden and significant price increase is both alarming and unacceptable.
When questioned about the outcome of the dialogue with suppliers are supermarkets, Shandil says the suppliers have said that the price of raw materials has increased.
She adds the Council will continue to monitor this situation closely and hold traders accountable for any practices that harm consumers.
