Fiji: Council Clarifies Price of Cigarettes

Source from:  fbc.com 01/11/2016

The Consumer Council of Fiji says there will be no further reduction in the price of cigarettes as the current retail price is inclusive of the revised VAT rate.

The advice comes as the Council is receiving calls from consumers who feel the current cigarette price is not reduced as a result of VAT reduction.

Chief executive Premila Kumar says the current retail price of the cigarette accounts for increase in excise tax (12.5%), the addition of the health levy (6%) on tobacco products and the reduction of VAT by 6 per cent.

This revised retail price had come into effect on 9 November last year. The retail price of the locally produced cigarettes is set/recommended by British, American Tobacco Fiji (BAT) in the Fijian market and all retail outlets were notified of the price change.

Kumar says consumers should also be mindful that cigarette is not a price controlled item, therefore, some retailers may be selling the product at a higher price. Enditem