The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has announced that the prices of whole bird chickens have remained consistent over the past year, countering claims circulating on various media outlets. In its recent statement, the commission urged consumers to stay informed while it continues to monitor the market to ensure that prices accurately reflect true market dynamics.
The FCCC stated, “Since last year, we have implemented a vigorous weekly monitoring system to ensure that chicken prices are not subjected to unethical practices like price gouging.” This initiative was introduced in response to significant price hikes observed among certain retailers following changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) in the 2023-2024 Fijian National Budget.
According to the FCCC’s observations, the stability in whole bird chicken prices over the last year can be attributed to the commission’s diligent oversight and cooperative efforts with suppliers and retailers. They highlighted that most chicken sales occur during frequent supermarket specials, which cater more to consumer demands for promotional pricing rather than everyday costs.
However, the commission advised consumers to be aware that not all chicken sizes on promotion may be available at every store, suggesting that shoppers check availability to prevent any inconvenience.
Consumers are encouraged to be proactive by comparing prices and reviewing promotions prior to shopping, which fosters a competitive market that helps prevent undue price increases.
In summary, the FCCC is committed to ensuring price stability in the poultry market and actively encourages consumers to be savvy shoppers, which helps to create a healthier market environment. This emphasizes a positive outlook for consumers who wish to benefit from fair pricing, encouraging informed decisions while shopping.
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