The Minister for Environment and Waterways Doctor Mahendra Reddy says they do not want to interfere in the market in terms of pricing for eco-friendly bags with a ban on single-use plastic bags now in place.
Some eco-friendly bags are currently being sold for $2 to $2.50 each.
There are also some shops and supermarkets who sell alternative eco-friendly bags which cost 30 cents each.
Reddy says people have to take ownership of this and take their own bags rather than exposing themselves to that kind of scenario in the market.
The Minister for Environment says it is unfortunate that some people are now running around looking for alternatives when there have already been announcements on the ban on single-use plastic bags.
Reddy says their inspection teams have been out in all divisions monitoring compliance by consumers and businesses and the compliance level has been impressive.
The Department of Environment has also corrected remarks its officials made at a public consultation yesterday with members of the business community at the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Office in Suva.
It was mistakenly stated at that consultation that tear away plastic bags are allowed for fresh produce, frozen meat products and baked goods.
The Department of Environment has clarified that tear away plastic bags are indeed considered single-use plastics bags and, therefore, are completely banned.
