A recent survey of major supermarkets in the Suva-Nausori corridor has revealed a significant rise in the price of a 750ml bottle of ghee, which has jumped from an average of $24.02 to $31.24 this week.
Seema Shandil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, stated that this shocking increase of over $7 in just a few weeks places an unnecessary burden on consumers. She pointed out that this price spike occurs at a critical time, as the festive season approaches and demand for ghee rises for religious ceremonies, traditional cooking, and family gatherings.
Although ghee is not subject to price controls, Shandil emphasized its importance during this period, making the sudden price increase particularly alarming and unacceptable. While suppliers have cited rising raw material costs as the reason for the price hike, the Council questions the justification of such a steep increase. They argue that external factors like production costs cannot solely account for this significant rise in price.
The Consumer Council has urged traders to exercise restraint, especially with the increased demand for ghee during the upcoming festive season. Shandil stated that this behavior should not be tolerated as families face growing financial pressures. She added that the Council will monitor the situation closely, hold businesses accountable for unfair practices, and encourage consumers to report any instances of unjustified price increases.