THE Consumer Council of Fiji is advising consumers to be aware of the latest fuel price review released by the Fiji Commerce Commission (FCC) on 13th April 2014.
There are decreases in the price of diesoline (diesel) and kerosene. Consumers should be paying 4cents less than what they normally pay for these fuels. The new prices of $2.35 per liter for diesel and $1.87 per liter for kerosene for urban areas in the cities of Suva and Lautoka, and Lami Town are effective from Tuesday 15th April 2014. Consumers in other areas should also be paying less than the previous prices.
There has been an increase in the price of motor spirit by 4cents from $2.59 to $2.64 per liter and premix outboard fuel by 4cents from $2.51 to $2.55 per liter. There is no price movement for LPG or cooking gas cylinders. Consumers will still be paying the current prices of $18.35 for 4.5kg cylinders and $48.95 for 12kg cylinders for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Those in other parts of the country should also be paying the same price.
However, consumers not residing in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau are expected to pay $2.88 per liter for Motor Spirit (Unleaded), $2.60 per liter for diesel, $2.87 per liter for Pre-Mix Outboard fuel and $2.13 per liter for kerosene when you take your container.
People in Rotuma will pay slightly higher price. They will pay $3.07 per liter for Motor Spirit (Unleaded), $2.77 per liter for diesel, $3.05 per liter for Pre-Mix Outboard fuel and $2.28 per liter for kerosene when container is not supplied.
The Council is calling on all fuel retailers and traders who sell fuel to apply the correct pricing as required by the FCC’s price order. The Council is aware of cases in the past where some unscrupulous traders do not apply the price changes particularly when there are decreases.
The Council is also urging consumers to immediately report retailers who overcharge them on fuel. It is important to keep your receipts and present these as evidence. We are especially calling on consumers who purchase kerosene from small retail outlets, particularly small neighborhood dairy shops where price-control violation often goes undetected. It is important that such traders are promptly reported to the FCC or consumers can tip off the Consumer Council with information.
Meanwhile, despite the drops in diesel and kerosene prices, consumers should still maintain prudence and discipline in their spending as prices will change again in the next review. As local prices are affected by international price movements and transportation costs, it is important for Fijian consumers not to be complacent, but be aware of the price fluctuations.
Consumers are urged to seek information from the FCC or they can contact the Consumer Council for more information.
MEDIA RELEASE.