Fiji is witnessing a continued decline in its inflation rate, evidenced by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October 2025, according to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics. The latest data indicates that the average annual inflation rate for the year ending October 2025 stands at -1.3 percent, with a significant month-on-month inflation rate drop of -3.4 percent compared to October 2024.
The All Items CPI has fallen by 0.2 percent, decreasing from 110.1 in September to 109.9 in October 2025. This decrease reflects lower prices across several key expenditure categories. Notably, reductions were observed in food and non-alcoholic beverages (-0.3%), transport (-0.3%), and housing-related costs, which fell by 0.8%. The decline in housing costs is attributed to lower prices for fuels, household materials, and essential food items like bread, cereals, and seafood.
Despite the overall decrease, there were slight increases in specific sectors, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics, which rose by 0.7%, driven primarily by increased prices for beer and yaqona. Health-related costs also saw a marginal rise of 0.1% due to higher pharmaceutical expenses. Other categories like communication, restaurants and hotels, and education remained stable, while clothing and footwear and furnishings experienced minor declines of 0.1%.
The Fiji Bureau of Statistics underscored the significance of the CPI, which is compiled through monthly price assessments in major urban centers and reflects the purchasing patterns of households. The ongoing deflationary trend suggests a decline in consumer demand along with easing prices for fuel and food, factors that are likely to impact consumer spending and monetary policy in the months ahead.
These developments are reflective of a broader positive economic trend, as previous reports show that inflation pressures have been decreasing in Fiji. For instance, inflation rates had previously fluctuated but have shown clear signs of reduction, with a notable drop to -0.9% recorded earlier this year, marking the lowest monthly inflation rate since May 2021. This consistent decline is contributing to a more stable economic environment in Fiji, ultimately fostering hope for consumers as prices for essential goods stabilize and become more affordable.
Overall, the downward trend in inflation presents an opportunity for greater economic stability in Fiji. By carefully monitoring price changes and responding with supportive government measures, the country is positioned to enhance the economic well-being of its citizens in the long term.
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