The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned traders against overcharging, misleading promotions and other unfair business practices as families prepare for Diwali celebrations this Sunday.
FCCC Chief Executive Officer Senikavika Jiuta says the festive season must not be used as an opportunity to mislead or exploit consumers, with businesses reminded to comply with price control requirements and ensure all promotional claims are genuine.
Jiuta says enforcement teams are already conducting inspections across the country to monitor price displays, pricing accuracy and promotional claims at outlets selling festive goods.
She says the Commission will investigate suspected breaches and take enforcement action where necessary.
The FCCC carried out 435 inspections during last year’s Diwali celebrations, including 221 in the Central Division, 140 in the Northern Division and 74 in the Western Division.
A further 15 joint inspections and 60 market surveillance checks were conducted.
The most common breaches identified last year involved overcharging and the sale of expired items.
This year, the Commission has so far conducted 184 Diwali inspections and surveys, alongside 26 joint inspections with health inspectors across the various divisions.
The inspections will continue until Diwali on Sunday.
Jiuta says the Commission has already identified cases of overcharging, failure to display prices and products without price markings, which are now undergoing relevant legal assessments.
FCCC will also extend its monitoring to online marketplaces, including social media trading platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, as more consumers turn to digital platforms to purchase festive goods.
The FCCC advises shoppers to check the contents of cleaning combo deals, compare bundle prices against individual item prices and confirm whether advertised free items are genuinely free.
The FCCC says consumers should compare prices across retailers, ensure the amount charged matches the displayed or advertised price and keep their receipts.
Consumers wishing to report unfair business practices or seek further information can contact the FCCC on 892 1991, email helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj or visit www.fccc.gov.fj.
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