The Commerce Commission is now awaiting further instructions from the Attorney General's Chambers to take action on their findings on the reasons why the price of food items under the zero duty bands has increased.
Based on the findings of the Commission, Cabinet this week approved the Commerce Price Control, Percentage Control of Prices for Food Items Order 2010, which is an interim pricing order by the Commerce Commission to control prices of specific food items.
Commission Chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy said they found three key reasons why the prices of food items which are exempt from duty and is under the zero rating, has increased since 2008.
However, Dr Reddy said they will reveal the detail after the price control order is signed by the Minister and they start work on rectifying these anomalies.
Government's Budget for 2008 to 2010 allowed for the exemption of fiscal together with import duties on certain food items including canned fish, edible oil, onion, garlic and rice by imposing zero duty.
Under the Commerce Price Control, the Commerce Commission will impose an appropriate pricing formula that ensures minimum mark up costs are imposed and there is no "double dipping" by importers, wholesalers or retailers.
The Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khiayum earlier stated that these price control and zero duty mechanisms were meant to "cushion" consumers from the impact of increasing costs of food items worldwide, however the full impact of zero duties have not flowed on to the consumers.
A survey by the Consumer Council of Fiji also revealed that the price of food items under zero rating has in fact increased since 2008.
Story by: Roneel Lal
Commission awaits instructions from AGs office
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p