Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says it is disappointing that the exorbitant increase in the price of whole bird chicken is happening again and he has asked the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate it immediately.
Professor Prasad says the government is providing 42 percent duty protection to the local producers and it is enough for producers to ensure that the chickens are produced at a reasonable price.
He says they will look at options of price control and opening up of import of whole chickens.
Professor Prasad says he will meet with the FCCC on their detailed report on Friday and he is expecting the producers to think through this carefully.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has initiated an investigation into reports of price increases and supply shortages for whole bird chicken in some retail stores.
Concerns were also raised with fijivillage News by consumers on the exorbitant price increase of whole bird chicken by some supermarkets.
FCCC CEO, Joel Abraham confirms that they have written to both major suppliers, Crest and Rooster, requesting clarification on the current supply situation and any changes to pricing.
Abraham says while both manufacturers have indicated there are no price increases or supply issues, they have received conflicting reports from retailers.
He says retailers have reported shortages and confirmed the removal of discounts, which directly impacts weekly retail pricing.
The CEO further says the discrepancy between what is being reported by manufacturers and retailers is of great concern for them and will take decisive action against any party found to be providing misleading information or exploiting consumers by withholding discounts or manipulating supply.
People have expressed serious concerns about some supermarkets blatantly increasing the price of certain food items like Crest and Rooster chicken.
Calls are being made to the government to ensure that bodies like the FCCC takes urgent steps to address this recurring issue of unscrupulous traders and unconscionable conduct.
A well-known supermarket in Suva is selling number 27 Crest Chicken for $31.95, number 25 for $27.35, number 21 for $23.95, number 22 for $24.50 while Rooster Chicken number 17 for $19.99
The increases in the last 2 to 3 weeks has been between $4 to $8, and this includes weekend prices.
People are also questioning how the prices of local chicken are only stabilised when inspections are conducted by the Consumer Council of Fiji and FCCC just weeks before or after National Budget week.
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