The Consumer Council says the decreased duty on imported fruits and vegetables from five to zero percent gives consumers more options.

CEO Premila Kumar says they don’t expect a huge reduction but at least they should expect a minimal discount from the current cost.

“It increased consumer’s choice but the reduction is only five percent and I am just hoping this five percent translate into price reduction.”

Kumar is encouraging customers to monitor prices to see whether there are any reductions.

The imported fruits and vegetables include apples, carrots, tea, grapes, oranges, pears, mixed vegetables, celery, capsicum, mushrooms kiwi fruits, asparagus, strawberries, leeks, spinach, apricot, peaches, plum, grapefruit, raspberries, cranberries, pomegranate, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.

Meanwhile, Economy Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had earlier said that the government has decreased these to ensure affordability of healthy foods, promote combating of Non-Communicable diseases and prolong longevity.