Minister Charan Jeath Singh has pushed back in Parliament against opposition claims that the Coalition Government led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is to blame for rising prices in Fiji, arguing the state has little control over costs driven by global market forces. Singh warned that measures proposed by critics — including calls to remove Value Added Tax — risked leaving public-sector salaries and services unfunded, and urged a more cautious public debate about causes and remedies for inflationary pressure.
Singh told legislators Fiji is fundamentally a price taker because it relies heavily on imports. “Most products sold locally come from New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Thailand,” he said, adding that even many domestically manufactured goods depend on imported raw materials. That exposure, he said, leaves Fiji vulnerable to international supply shocks and price rises beyond the government’s control, citing the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions involving Iran and the United States as recent examples that have pushed up global costs.
“Do not blame us if the prices of goods have increased here because of honourable Rabuka’s Government. Even if the Government changes tomorrow, you will not be able to change the prices,” Singh told Parliament, rejecting what he described as misleading political messaging that pins responsibility for higher prices solely on domestic policy. His remarks come amid growing public disquiet about the cost of living and renewed calls from some quarters to revisit subsidy and taxation settings.
Singh also defended retailers, particularly supermarkets, stressing they operate on narrow margins and cannot simply absorb spike after spike in international costs. Drawing on his own background in the retail sector, the minister cautioned politicians against simplifying price movements to a single domestic cause, saying that passing on higher import and shipping costs is often unavoidable for small, import-dependent economies like Fiji.
Alongside the cost-of-living defence, Singh set out new and expanded programmes within his multi-portfolio ministry. The government’s multi-ethnic grants programme has been increased to $2 million this year, he announced, with funds earmarked for community projects that include water systems, infrastructure upgrades, cultural initiatives and education-related activities. Singh said the boost aimed to support social cohesion while easing pressures on vulnerable communities.
Singh also highlighted cultural and heritage work under way, including the digitisation of more than 60,000 historical records related to indentured labour (Girmit) and plans to develop a Girmit museum. He framed these steps as part of preserving Fiji’s multi-ethnic legacy and making historical resources more accessible for research and education.
On the economic governance front, the minister flagged strengthened oversight of state-owned enterprises as a priority. Thirteen public enterprises operating under the Public Enterprises Act — spanning sectors such as aviation, communications, agriculture and finance — will see tighter governance measures, Singh said. The ministry is moving to implement merit-based board appointments and new evaluation frameworks for directors to lift performance and accountability, measures it argues are essential to maintaining economic stability amid external shocks.
Singh concluded by restating the government’s broader aim to bolster institutions and inclusive policies that can help Fiji withstand global price pressures. His remarks represent the latest development in a widening national debate over how best to balance fiscal stability, social support and market realities as households and businesses grapple with rising costs.
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