The Consumer Council of Fiji believes that many people operating small canteens and community stores are doing so illegally.
Small canteens are a common sight in most communities across Fiji usually operating from the side of homes or from makeshift shelters and often these canteens charge above and beyond what items would normally cost in supermarkets as they are convenient and the only means for people to purchase small items.
Consumer Council CEO Premila Kumar said they are aware that many such canteens are operating without proper licenses.
Meanwhile, Fijivillage yesterday highlighted that some community stores and canteens are charging more than what items would cost in supermarkets and often sell packed products individually.
For example, one store on the outskirts of Suva sells one egg for 70 cents and charges 65 cents for one onion.
Other items sold individually include panadol, potatoes, garlic, mosquito coil and even meat products amongst others.
Many times, consumers have no choice as the canteen or store is the only one in their locality.
Kumar said they have also received such complaints and instead of servicing the community these stores and canteens are ripping off consumers and there are no mechanisms to put a stop to this practice.
The Consumer Council is calling on people to report unfair trade practices by canteens and community stores to ensure action is taken against them.
Story by: Roneel Lal
Feature
Canteens/Community stores rip-off consumers
