The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a requisition for information notice to 9 traders who are suspected of engaging in price gouging.
When issued a requisition for information notice, a trader needs to present relevant information to FCCC such as supplier invoices, costing documents and inventory records.
FCCC CEO Joel Abraham says this will be followed with a caution interview.
Abraham has also warned traders who are intending to take advantage of vulnerable Fijians during this difficult time to refrain from engaging in such behaviour.
He says their biggest mandate is to protect the rights of the consumer and they are consistently upholding this duty by regularly being on the ground.
Meanwhile, the FCCC has commended all the community pharmacies as well as other retailers that have been selling face masks at reasonable prices and ensuring there is sufficient stock.
Abraham says according to recent market surveys, certain retailers are selling 3-ply face masks for as low as 45 to 50 cents and $2.00 for the N95 face masks.
He says during the initial stages of the outbreak, the price of face masks was high but since then market forces have played their part in helping to significantly lower prices and stimulate competition amongst retailers.
Abraham says more masks are now available for multiple retailers which gives consumers more choices on where to go to buy the masks, reducing the price further and making them more reasonable to attain.
The FCCC anticipates the price of masks to reduce further in the coming weeks.
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