The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission will undertake a market inquiry into the pricing practice of the entire industry, which will commence on the 1st of May this year.
FCCC CEO, Joel Abraham says the objective of the study is to ensure that they are able to establish the structure of the grocery retail sector and undertake a comprehensive analysis to look at the market size and segmentation.
He says FCCC has some concerns regarding product prices, which may be artificially driven and as a result of sheer corporate greed.
Abraham says if this is revealed to be true, then the players in the supermarket industry will face the full brunt of the law.
He says FCCC has intensified its monitoring of essential items both within regulated and unregulated sectors to tackle the elevated price levels that burden Fijian consumers.
The CEO says they have identified a list of products for detailed supply chain assessment, ensuring the privacy practices aligned with fair market practices and protection of consumer rights.
He says they are initially looking at certain products like chicken, noodles, toothpaste, bathing soap, washing detergent, baking powder, chicken portions, sausages, yogurt and lamb products.
The study will encompass the grocery retail sector market segment, and the wholesale sector as well as imports.
The CEO has also confirmed the establishment of a Bus Industry Advisory Committee where issues such as fair pricing and service quality will be looked at.
Land Transport Authority Deputy Chairman Rajendra Prasad will chair the Committee which has a representation from key stakeholders including industry experts, consumer rights group and government officials
Abraham adds the Committee is expected to spearhead reforms that will make bus travel more reliable, affordable and convenient for Fijians.
