The Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on people to report any cases of hoarding or an act by shops or supermarkets to store or accumulate food for a period of time.

Chairman of the Consumer Council of Fiji Narendra Padarath said this act is illegal and they have found out after a survey, that there is a shortage in the supply of some basic food items like canned tuna, milk, potatoes and other items in some large retail outlets in the Northern division.

Padarath said most shop managers told them that they do not have such basic items in their stock.

However, he said the Council suspects that some retailers are trying to accumulate or store food and other items after devaluation to sell it after the price hike which is unfair and illegal, and these traders when caught can be prosecuted.

Padarath urges consumers to report the matter to them if they notice any unfair trade practice in any of the supermarkets or shops.