The Consumer Council of Fiji is reminding all suppliers and retailers that essential consumer goods such as cooking gas must be supplied in a fair, transparent and consistent manner and any deliberate withholding of essential goods, particularly during periods of high demand or price adjustment, may constitute unfair trading conduct and will be referred to the relevant enforcement authorities if substantiated.
This comes as many people had raised concerns that some businesses were not willing to sell gas tanks ahead of the price increase last Monday.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News, the Council says they received initial consumer complaints and engaged with affected retailers to better understand the situation.
They say based on preliminary feedback, there is currently no confirmed evidence to suggest that businesses deliberately withheld sales in anticipation of the price adjustment.
The Consumer Council says its preliminary investigation into reports of a 12kg LPG cylinder shortage in Suva on 31st May found that the issue was likely caused by a sudden surge in demand following the FCCC's LPG price adjustment announcement rather than a supply disruption.
They say retailers reported delays in receiving stock, while both major LPG suppliers indicated there were no production or distribution problems and that additional stock was quickly supplied to affected outlets.
The Council says based on the information gathered so far, the evidence points to a demand-driven temporary stockout rather than a systemic failure of supply or deliberate withholding of stock.
They says they continue to monitor the situation and remind retailers of the importance of displaying clear notices to customers whenever service disruptions occur.
