CAPTION: Premila Kumar. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
The Consumer Council of Fiji welcomes the reduction in the price of petroleum and gasoline as announced by the Minister for Industry & Trade and Attorney-General Mr Aiyaz Sayed–Khaiyum and Fiji Commerce Commission (FCC)
The Council commends the FCC for ensuring that local retail prices of petrol and gas reflect international trends.
The Council is particularly happy with the gas price drop of $2.40 for 12kg cylinder from $45.84 to $43.44. Even such a small amount can go a long way in easing household budgets. Gas prices were previously not regulated and consumers in Fiji were paying high prices and drops in the international prices were never reflected in the local retail prices.
Furthermore, consumers who use kerosene on a daily basis will be relieved with the 10cents per litre price drop from $1.86 to $1.76. Consumers were paying this old price for six months since January 2013
Meanwhile, the Council expects all retailers to comply with the new prices which are effective from 15 July 2013.
Consumers have been raising their concerns to the Council on how some retailers are waiting for old stock to clear before applying the new prices in their shops. This is despite the effective dates announced for the new prices.
The new prices come into effective irrespective of stock. Retailers must ensure that they comply with the new set prices for petroleum and LPGs,
The Council will be continuing with its market surveillance and monitoring to ensure that retailers are charging the correct prices.
Consumers are also encouraged to report retailers who are overcharging to the Council together with evidence such as receipts.
Premila Kumar
Chief Executive Officer