Consumer Council raises concerns over chicken prices

The Consumer Council of Fiji has slammed supermarkets for the soaring rise in frozen chicken prices, highlighting significant markups that is burdening consumers.

The Council says the prices of chicken during the festive season is at it’s peak, making it increasingly difficult for Fijians to afford.

They say number 16 chicken is as high as $21.00 while the wholesale price is $17.28, reflecting a markup of $3.22 (18%) on every chicken, number 19 chicken is $25.50, wholesale price is $20.10, an average margin of $3.66 18 percent per chicken while number 21 is $28.50.

CEO Seema Shandil says while supermarkets operate in a free market and have the discretion to set their prices, they believe the current markups are placing unnecessary financial pressure on consumers.

The Council has strongly urged supermarkets to adopt fair pricing practices and avoid exploiting consumers during the festive season.

We had sent questions to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on Tuesday.

They are yet to respond.