As a result of a growing concern with the general trend of price disparities in prices of certain basic food items, Government intends to regulate prices of 24 additional items with effect from today.

Some of the items include rolled Oats and Weet Bix, Ovaltine, Cocoa, Milo imported, tea of all types and forms imported or local, baking powder imported or local, bathing soap, toothpaste of all types local or imported, soap powder imported or local, mosquito coil imported, baby diapers, sanitary pad, toilet paper imported or local, baking soda imported or local digging forks and spade and cane knives. The price control means the mark-up percentage on these items are now controlled by PIB and shops cannot charge beyond the controlled prices.

In a statement the Prices and Incomes Board said this decision took into account the rising cost of imported goods, the impact of the global financial crisis, the devaluation of the Fiji dollar and other external forces which directly impact the prices of goods in Fiji.

It adds government's role to provide a beneficial environment to private sector development and encourage private entrepreneurship has to be balanced with its obligation to protect the welfare of the general poplulace.

This in an interim measure only spanning eight months effective from the date of implementation upon which time can be subject to review.