The Consumer Council of Fiji is advising traders to refrain from engaging in price gouging following the news of the tropical cyclone warning which is now in place for Fiji.
Council CEO Premila Kumar says items that consumers generally buy in preparation for the adverse weather in addition to food
include batteries, candles, torches, bottled water, hurricane lanterns and lamps, chargers and lights, ropes, building material, generators, tarpaulins, tents, carpentry and electrical tools and matches.
She says the council has noticed an increase in complaints against traders who take advantage of people’s hardship by increasing prices of goods which are not under price control.
Kumar says some often use the excuse of an increase in demand as justification for the increase in price.
The council objects to such practices because high prices don't put goods in the hands of someone who desperately needs it, but rather into the hands of someone who has money.
Traders are also warned that increasing prices during natural disasters amounts to unfair trade practices particularly under Section 66 and 76 of the Commerce Commission Act 2010.
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when shopping during cyclone warnings and to call the National Consumer Helpline on 155 for any advice or to lodge complaints against price gouging.
