The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has issued an urgent reminder to the public as the cyclone season approaches, urging caution and awareness regarding potential price gouging and unethical practices from traders. Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta warned that during times of crisis, such as natural disasters, some traders may resort to hoarding essential goods or significantly inflating prices, jeopardizing consumer welfare.
Jiuta’s warning comes as part of the FCCC’s commitment to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against price gouging. This policy covers sudden increases in the prices of essential items such as batteries, candles, and bottled water, as well as overcharging for products under price control. She emphasized that traders caught exploiting consumers during emergencies will face stringent legal repercussions.
FCCC teams have been actively conducting market inspections and surveys to ensure compliance among businesses. In collaboration with health inspectors from local councils, the FCCC is also focused on upholding food and health safety standards throughout Fiji’s cyclone season. These efforts help to ensure that consumers are not sold expired or unsafe products while also maintaining fair prices for essential goods.
Consumers are encouraged to be proactive during this critical period. The FCCC advises shoppers to verify that the prices they see on shelves are reflected at checkout, familiarize themselves with product return and refund policies, and thoroughly inspect battery-powered items and canned goods for quality before purchasing.
Previous campaigns by the FCCC, particularly during extreme weather conditions and flooding events, have highlighted similar concerns regarding trader ethics. Recent reports indicate that instances of price gouging were noted around essential goods, as well as the sale of food items that may have been compromised due to adverse weather conditions. The importance of community vigilance and collaboration from both consumers and traders in maintaining ethical practices has been underscored as vital to fostering public trust and health.
Amidst these challenges, the proactive steps taken by the FCCC and engaged consumers signal hope for a fairer market. By working together and adhering to ethical standards, the community can enhance its resilience, ensuring that trust and accountability prevail even in the face of adversity.