News

Overcharging shipping fares is an offence: Commission

June 24, 2015 6:37 pm

Fiji Commerce Commission Chief Executive Bobby Maharaj says any shipping company found over-charging passengers from 1st of July is liable for penalty.

Maharaj says the Commission has authorised a new set of standard passenger fares, which the shipping companies need to adhere to.

He says overcharging is an offence under Section 52 of the Commerce Commission Decree.

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“For the offence of overcharging the penalties prescribed under the Commerce Commission Decree 2010 is a spot fine of a $100 to $200 for a natural person, which is an individual not operating as a company and $100 to $3000 for a company.”

Maharaj says the new passenger fares will not remain fixed and some changes can be expected due economic situations in the future.

For all the new routes that may evolve in future, the shipping companies are to make submissions to the Commission for the authorization of the passenger fares and freight rates before implementation of any rates or fares.