As families in Fiji gear up for the new school year, they are set to benefit from the Government’s $200 assistance program aimed at easing the financial burden of educational expenses. In light of this initiative, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has issued a stern warning to traders against engaging in price gouging, misrepresentation, and other unfair trade practices.
FCCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Senikavika Jiuta, emphasized the importance for businesses to adhere to legal and ethical standards, noting that the rise in consumer demand does not justify exorbitant pricing or dishonest practices. She pointed out that prices for stationery and textbooks are regulated under the Counter Inflation Order 1993, which enforces strict profit margins to maintain fair pricing on essential school items.
To combat potential malpractice, the FCCC has ramped up its surveillance activities, conducting over 180 inspections since December on school-related products such as bags, lunch boxes, and stationery. Jiuta encouraged consumers to be vigilant by comparing prices across different stores, keeping receipts, and reporting any instances of unfair pricing or questionable trade behavior.
The FCCC’s enforcement actions are designed to ensure that the Government’s assistance truly benefits families in need rather than unethical traders looking to exploit the situation. Furthermore, the commission plans to regularly share price comparisons for essential stationery items across its digital platforms, empowering consumers to make informed choices during this critical back-to-school period.
This proactive approach from the FCCC will not only help stabilize prices but will also promote a fair marketplace, ensuring that every family can benefit from the government support intended to facilitate their children’s education.
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