Consumer Council wants strict monitoring to ensure that tax and duty reductions are passed down to consumers

As we get ready for the 2017/2018 National Budget announcement tonight, the Consumer Council of Fiji wants strict monitoring processes and penalties to ensure that duty and tax reductions announced in the budget are passed down to the consumers.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer Premila Kumar says for too long, many retailers have not been reducing prices of items after taxes or duties are reduced.

Kumar says price controls and fixed prices are needed as many traders are just not passing down the tax and duty reductions year after year.

Stay with us for coverage of the 2017/2018 National Budget as we will tell you how it will affect your pockets through the decisions regarding taxes and duties, and the government services planned for the next budget.

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will deliver the National Budget address at 7.30 tonight.