After the announcement of the revised 2021-2022 national budget, the Council staff have been conducting market surveillance to monitor the VAT movement on goods and services [Source: Consumer Council of Fiji/Facebook]

The Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on traders to comply with the reduction in prices following the removal of VAT from today.

Council Chief Executive, Seema Shandil says this will likely address the increase in the cost of living and cushion the blow caused by the pandemic and the soaring international prices.

Shandil says traders must ensure that the VAT removal is reflected in the prices of basic food items announced in the revised budget.

She adds that their officers are currently on the ground monitoring the prices of basic food items.

Consumers are being encouraged to double-check their receipts for proper pricing and report unscrupulous traders who are not in compliance with the relevant authorities.