The government is now hoping that open competition will result in competitive prices for various goods sold to consumers.
Attorney General and Acting Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said their main focus will be to monitor anti-competitive behavior to ensure that everyone benefits.
He also revealed the merger of Prices and Incomes Board (PIB) and the Department of Fair Trading with the Commerce Commission.
Sayed-Khaiyum said government's decision to reject a proposal from the PIB to include the 24 items under the Counter Inflation Act by the end of this month was necessary.
He said 146 items have also been removed from price surveillance and this is to ensure that competition determines the best prices for consumers.
He said more can be achieved both for consumers and businesses with competition which is now evident in Fiji's telecommunications sector.
PIB had announced earlier this month that they were proposing to add another 24 essential household items under the Price Control list.
It said that this was based on a directive by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama due to the growing concern with the general trend of disparities in the prices of certain basic food items. PIB had given 14 days for submissions.
However, Sayed-Khaiyum said the Finance Ministry sits on the board of PIB and a policy decision has now been made that the 24 items should not be included in the Price Control list.
Meanwhile, the 146 items that have been removed from price surveillance are locally manufactured items.
Under price surveillance, manufacturers had to give 12 weeks written notice of any proposed increase in ex-factory or wholesale price of goods.
The manufacturers do not have to do that after the items were removed from price surveillance.
The 146 items include locally manufactured ice cream, beer, cigarettes, local fertilizer, galvanized tubes and pipes, cartons, snacks and paper bags.
Govt to monitor anti-competitive behavior
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