Following serious concerns the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has initiated an investigation regarding the unjustified increase in the price of 750ml bottle of ghee.
This comes as the Consumer Council of Fiji had written to FCCC regarding the unjustified prices where major supermarkets in the Suva-Nausori corridor allegedly increased the price of a 750ml bottle of ghee, rising from an average of $24.02 in August to $31.24.
In a statement, FCCC says the significant price increase were noted and they are closely monitoring market trends nationwide to support this investigation.
They say they are committed to ensuring traders, retailers and wholesalers operate ethically, following pricing guidelines and traders found in violation will face potential legal action.
FCCC says under the FCCC Act 2010, information request to traders have already been issued, seeking detailed data on production costs, import expenses and pricing structures to assess the legitimacy of these price hikes.
CEO, Joel Abraham has warned traders that if they are inflating ghee prices to exploit people for the Diwali festivities, then they must stop immediately or face the consequences.
Abraham says such actions are unfair and exploitative, especially during important cultural events and asked them to put themselves in the shoes of the people.
