FCCC receives complaints that face masks are becoming hard to obtain and investigates alleged price gouging

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has received complaints from consumers, mainly in the Suva, Nadi and Lautoka areas that sugar is being sold in small quantities, or is out of stock, in major supermarkets and that face masks are also becoming hard to obtain.

FCCC CEO Joel Abraham says in regards to face masks they are investigating traders who have been engaged in price gouging activities and will be taking the matter further if any conclusive evidence is found.

Abraham says they are aware that in some areas, supermarkets are limiting the sale of sugar and their teams are in touch with the right people to determine the cause of this and to find a solution that works for both suppliers and consumers.

He further says they have done a total of 311 inspections in major supermarkets, pharmacies, and shops in the Western, Central and Northern Divisions over the past week.

Abraham adds their ground teams have also been checking that businesses are taking appropriate measures in safeguarding themselves and the consumers in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

He says it is encouraging that 90 percent of businesses comply with this which shows that businesses are better prepared this time compared to last year.

Abraham has reassured all Fijians that common basic food items, including rice, flour, sugar, potatoes, and bread are available and they have confirmed this will all major supermarkets.