Consumer Council calls on agents of eTransport top-up to refrain from placing a minimum top-up limit

The Consumer Council of Fiji is reminding agents offering eTransport top-up services to refrain from placing a minimum top-up limit on eTransport cards.

This is after the Council discovered that certain agents are refusing this service when the top-up value is less than a pre-determined amount.

Council CEO Seema Shandil says investigations into a complaint has revealed that an agent in Tabia, Labasa only allows consumers to top-up their eTransport cards for $5 or more.

Shandil says people residing in the interior areas such as Naduri wanting to top up their cards for $2 to reach Labasa Town were turned down.

She says the agent in question is the only one available in the area.

Shandil says consumers determine their top-up value based on the amount of cash in their pockets or the remaining balance in their cards.

She says when agents place minimum top-up limits, consumers having financial difficulties may not be able to make it to their intended destination or end up spending money which maybe intended for other household needs.

Shandil adds that this practice is concerning as those who do not have enough cash to meet the minimum top-up amount will be left without any means of transportation; even in cases of emergency where the sick maybe trying to reach the hospital.

She says the Council is reminding top-up agents to ensure they engage in ethical and fair-trading principles and refrain from infringing on the rights of consumers.

The CEO says consumers who have come across similar scenarios are encouraged to contact the Council on toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app.