A survey done by the Consumer Council of Fiji in the Suva-Nausori corridor reveals that the gas price is higher than recommended.
Council chief executive Premila Kumar says this was done following complaints from consumers.
“What we have discovered is that the recommended retail price by the gas company, Fiji Gas, there are retailers selling beyond the recommended price. The recommended price is $54.00/12kg cylinder but we have found prices as high as $58.10 being sold in some chain service stations around the country.”
Kumar adds nothing can be done as the item is not under the price control list.
“The gas itself is not under price control so in other words its legal for retailer to charge that price to consumers. Our argument is that gas is an essential requirement and that there are only two players in the market so the price should be controlled. We have been talking to Commerce Commission and we have notified them of the competitive behaviour in the market.”
Kumar is urging the Commerce Commission to conduct a review of the current gas market and establish a price mechanism.
