Over 120 market surveys set benchmark for post-budget price monitoring – FCCC

To ensure that the benefits of the 2025–2026 Fijian National Budget is passed down to everyone, more than 120 market surveys have been carried out nationwide by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission as part of its pre-budget surveillance.

FCCC Chief Executive Officer, Senikavika Jiuta says these pre-budget benchmarks will now be used to compare post-budget pricing behaviour and to investigate any anomalies.

She says they have clear reference points, and are watching closely.

Jiuta says this work is crucial to ensure that the benefits of the 2025–2026 Fijian National Budget, including reductions in VAT and import duties, are passed down to everyday Fijians, as intended.

The CEO says with this Government’s budget initiatives coming into effect from the 1st of August 2025, the responsibility now rests with businesses to implement these changes fairly once they are in effect.

She says their Price Monitoring and Enforcement Taskforce is here to ensure traders are compliant as we transition to the new tax and duty rates.

Jiuta says businesses must adjust their prices accurately and ensure that these benefits flow directly to people as per the intention of the budget.

She warns that any attempt to withhold these benefits, or to exploit consumers during this time of adjustment through unethical practices such as overpricing, will not be tolerated.

The CEO says they will also be working with the Fijian Revenue and Customs Services to conduct targeted inspections, price checks, and ongoing compliance verification exercises across all divisions.

She says this includes monitoring essential items that remain zero-rated for VAT, as well as products that should reflect reduced tax and duty rates.

The FCCC is urging all traders to reflect the reduced tax and duty rates in the prices of their goods and services, where applicable.

She says their officers will be on the ground conducting vigorous checks and monitoring the market to ensure compliance.

Jiuta says where there is evidence of non-compliance or unfair pricing practices, the FCCC will take appropriate enforcement action, pursuing prosecutions where necessary.

The FCCC is also encouraging consumers to play their part by reporting any instances where price reductions are not being reflected on shelves.

Jiuta adds the budget relief measures are for all Fijians and this is about fairness and accountability across the supply chain—from importer to retailer to consumer.