
Cyprus Consumer Group Questions Justification of Fuel Prices
The Cyprus Consumers Association has voiced doubts regarding the justification of current retail fuel prices, with its president indicating strong suspicions that something is amiss.
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The Cyprus Consumers Association has voiced doubts regarding the justification of current retail fuel prices, with its president indicating strong suspicions that something is amiss.

Consumer protection groups are accusing Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, of illegally tracking users on third-party websites, affecting 50 million users in Germany.

The Indian government stated that the use of E20 petrol saved consumers approximately ₹30 per litre during periods of crude price spikes, a claim made amidst ongoing criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups regarding its introduction.

President Marcos' fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) outlined priority bills and promises, but also drew criticism from labor groups for its silence on wages and the sugar industry. Netizens, economists, and politicians offered varied reactions and analyses of the speech.

A national coalition of consumer groups in the Philippines has welcomed the Energy Regulatory Commission's decision to extend the suspension of electricity service disconnections for three more months, covering consumers with unpaid power bills.

A consumer advocacy group in the Philippines, CitizenWatch Philippines, urged the government to accelerate the integration of digital technologies like artificial intelligence into the learning system to enhance education.

A UK consumer group, Which?, has identified 150 potentially lethal baby products, including self-feeding items, pillows, and sleeping bags, being sold on major online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and TikTok Shop, raising concerns about infant safety.

A new report by consumer group Which? tested 12 mosquito repellent products, revealing that two popular options failed to protect volunteers for more than a few minutes, prompting a warning for UK holidaymakers.

The Slovenian Consumer Protection Association (ZPS) tested children's UV-protective shirts sold on platforms like Temu and Shein, warning that they do not provide adequate protection. They emphasize that avoiding direct sun exposure remains the primary form of protection.

The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) and Cofact Thailand have submitted a letter to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) chairman, pressing the regulator to finalize the long-delayed roadmap for broadcasting and TV.

A consumer organization has reported the detection of numerous fraudulent weight-loss patches, often marketed with misleading 'before and after' images promising quick results.

The Spanish consumer organization OCU has issued an alert regarding the poor quality of chocolate-covered ice cream bars sold in supermarkets, describing them as ultra-processed products rich in vegetable fats, syrups, and additives.

The French national union of family associations (Unaf) has criticized banks for disproportionate fees charged during account seizures, arguing they further burden individuals in financial difficulty. Banks defend the procedures as necessary.

Google has refuted claims of failing to combat fraudulent advertising on its platforms, following a complaint filed by Cyprus and European consumer groups against Meta, TikTok, and Google over alleged breaches of digital security authority (DSA) regulations.
The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has voiced strong opposition to a proposed power tariff hike, warning that such a move would significantly fuel inflation across the country.
A consumer group in Nigeria has lauded the NCC boss for implementing a new policy that mandates automatic compensation for subscribers experiencing poor network service.

A watchdog has warned that millions of consumers face fresh uncertainty regarding car finance compensation, as three lenders and a consumer group have launched legal challenges against the Financial Conduct Authority’s redress scheme. This development could impact the timeline and outcome of compensation claims.
The Portuguese Competition Authority's market consultation on banking obstacles has divided the sector, with the supervisor and four associations participating, and consumer group Deco being the most favorable.

The Cyprus Consumers Association has issued a warning regarding a notable increase in online hotel booking scams. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when making reservations.

The Serbian consumer protection association Efektiva is warning that travel agencies are significantly violating passengers' rights regarding timely trip cancellations. They are highlighting the rules and rights available to travelers who wish to withdraw from their journeys.
A French consumer organization has initiated a lawsuit against Ubisoft following the shutdown of the online game 'The Crew'.

A consumer information association in Austria tested 40 convenience pasta products, finding 15 to be 'good' and 23 'average', with most being highly processed.

Royal Mail says the increase reflects the rise in delivery costs, but the move angers consumer groups.

Also in this newsletter: EU consumer group praises bloc’s landmark digital rules

The 'Stop Killing Games' movement has officially joined a $457 million lawsuit against Sony, alleging that the company's "monopoly" over the video game market through its digital store is illegal.

France is set to ban intrusive telephone sales offers, a move welcomed by consumer groups who previously noted that some call centers ignored existing opt-out lists.

Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament about E20 petrol, highlighting improved ride quality but also acknowledging lower average mileage. Opposition parties and consumer groups have criticized its rollout due to potential engine damage.

A newly formed consumer coalition in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, has challenged the local electric cooperative's explanation for a recent P1-per-kilowatt-hour rate reduction.
Consumer groups are warning that the overhaul of the 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) regime, which requires lenders to perform affordability checks, could potentially exclude millions of users from the £14 billion market.

A newly formed citizens' organization in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, has urged authorities to investigate the significant increase in electricity rates imposed by the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO).

Consumer associations are calling for intervention from regulators Arera and Agcm to address persistent aggressive telemarketing practices in the energy sector, despite existing restrictions.

The Association for Consumer Information (VKI) in Austria tested 13 children's herbal and fruit teas, finding about half to be recommendable, while advising caution for products containing fennel.

Italy is facing significant challenges with electric scooter usage, characterized by weak enforcement, few fines, and a confusing regulatory landscape. Consumer group Codacons warns that a lack of rule adherence fosters a sense of impunity.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has stated that the government's commitment to continuing fuel subsidies is crucial for curbing inflation and protecting the welfare of the people.

The Arbeiterkammer Oberösterreich, an Austrian consumer protection organization, tested eight air fryer models, evaluating their handling, operation, cooking results, and cleaning. Three models received a "Very Good" rating.

NextEra Energy, currently seeking to acquire Dominion Energy, has frequently clashed with consumer groups, residents, and journalists in its home state of Florida, highlighting its significant political power.

Consumer group Which? has urged the government to empower regulator Ofcom to take action against tech companies that fail to block deepfake advertisements, which expose individuals to scams.

European consumer organizations have filed complaints against Google, Meta, and TikTok, alleging that the platforms have not adequately protected users from financial fraud.

The Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK) has filed a complaint against Google, Meta, and TikTok, alleging the platforms do not do enough to combat scams involving false profit promises.

Lithuania's Ministry of Energy is expanding opportunities for installing solar power plants, allowing neighbors to form joint consumer groups and share installation costs, particularly in areas with limited grid capacity.

Deco, a Portuguese consumer protection organization, has accused insurance companies of abusive practices following nearly 200,000 claims related to depressions Kristin, Leonardo, and Marta. The group highlights issues such as delayed assessments, withheld reports, and inadequate compensation for damages.

A consumer group, Consumer Voice, has launched a legal challenge at London's Upper Tribunal, causing a delay in the implementation of a car finance compensation scheme.
Cofek, a consumer organization in Kenya, has raised concerns and alleged the sale of toxic petroleum products at fuel pumps.

Stichting Car Claim, along with consumer groups, has initiated legal action against Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat, alleging the use of 'Dieselgate' cheating software in campervans.

Petitioners and consumer groups in the Philippines are once again pressing the Supreme Court to act on a petition seeking to halt 'unconstitutional' NAIA fee increases, which stem from a concession deal and contribute to rising costs nationwide.

Ecotricity ranked top in Citizens Advice survey, followed by Outfox, Octopus and Co-operative Business live – latest updates Around 14 million households in the UK are receiving “below average” customer service from their energy supplier, a consumer group has warned. Citizens Advice said energy suppliers must improve their service, as its survey of 16 companies showed that half of gas and electricity consumers are with suppliers scoring less than three out of five stars for their customer s...

Royal Mail announced that the price of first class stamps will increase to £1.80, citing rising delivery costs, a move that has angered consumer groups.

Thirteen consumer associations from 12 European countries, including Greece's EKPOIZO, are launching a coordinated effort to ensure the quality of digital services is not degraded, sending a letter to authorities with their concerns.

France has officially banned unsolicited telemarketing calls, a move hailed by consumer groups as a 'small revolution' in consumer protection.

An analysis by consumer protection organizations has found that inexpensive sunscreens sold on platforms like Temu, Aliexpress, and Shein provide minimal protection and may even be dangerous.

The Trump administration announced plans to end subsidies for Medicare Part D drug premiums, which is expected to lead to higher costs for most enrollees. Concurrently, the US also banned the import of new Chinese humanoid robots and power inverters, citing security concerns in its latest tech crackdown.

The Dutch Consumers' Association is demanding that Thuisbezorgd.nl compensate users for hidden costs and fake discounts. The group alleges that the food delivery service has been misleading customers with its pricing practices.

A consumer advocacy group in India has called for the easing of bike taxi regulations, suggesting the allowance of private bikes for commercial use and a phased approach to electrification in the sector.

The City regulator is clashing with a consumer group by urging judges to dismiss claims for larger payouts in the motor finance scandal, alleging a lack of transparency and conflict of interest.

The Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) car finance compensation program has been partially suspended by a tribunal following challenges from both lenders and a consumer group.
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has filed a court challenge against the proposed Finance Bill 2026, arguing that some measures could increase household expenses and weaken taxpayers.
A consumer group in Nigeria has warned that the country's ongoing power crisis is significantly contributing to inflation and job losses, particularly within the manufacturing sector.
A Harvard study indicates that credit card swipe fees annually transfer an estimated $30 billion from cash users to rewards cardholders. The research highlights the economic impact of these fees on different consumer groups.

A consumer group has filed a 'super' complaint to the ACCC, Australia's competition regulator, after an investigation found dangerous items like fake cigarettes and toy-like weapons being sold on platforms such as eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress.

A consumer defense association is advocating for compensation due to long queues at border control in airports, stating that the new system has caused chaos and led to missed flights.

An Icelandic consumer advocacy group has filed a complaint with the Data Protection Authority regarding Creditinfo Lánstrausts hf.'s fees for individuals to access their own credit ratings.

European nations and the EU are increasingly confronting China's economic dominance in sectors like automotive and technology, leading to discussions on sanctions, reliance, and market competition. US lawmakers also scrutinize financial ties to Chinese military-linked firms.

The Slovenian Consumers' Association (ZPS) has issued a warning regarding the presence of harmful substances found in dishwasher tablets.

Consumer group Foodwatch has launched a petition calling for stricter rules for the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and GlobalG.A.P.

A Dutch consumer claims foundation is suing Netflix, alleging that the streaming giant unfairly increased subscription prices for existing customers in recent years.
Italian consumer organization Altroconsumo gave a negative rating to basil pesto sold in Italian supermarkets, citing excessive saturated fats, cheese, and oil content.
Novo Nordisk, maker of Wegovy and Ozempic, is strategizing a comeback in the US market for its weight-loss drugs, aiming to learn from consumer groups to improve its approach.

The French consumer association UFC-Que Choisir is criticizing car leasing contracts, labeling them as 'trappy' for consumers due to frequent abuses such as contested restitution fees and continued payments after death or vehicle breakdown.

Spain's consumer organization OCU has urged the withdrawal of olive pomace oils from the market after an analysis revealed that nine samples contained hydrocarbon levels three to ten times higher than the maximum recommended limit, posing a potential cancer risk. A new report from El Mundo confirms this call.

A report by MPs and peers has called for a significant review of UK financial regulation, warning of 'systemic flaws,' although consumer groups have dismissed the findings as a 'rehash.'

Royal Mail says the increase reflects the rise in delivery costs, but the move angers consumer groups.

A large investigation has revealed the presence of dangerous, potentially cancer-causing chemicals in a wide range of headphones and earbuds, including products from major manufacturers.