A recent survey of major supermarkets in the Suva-Nausori corridor has highlighted 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, the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, expressed concern over this sudden increase of more than $7 within a few weeks, stating that it has imposed an undue burden on consumers.
This price surge is particularly troubling as it coincides with the festive season, a time when ghee is in high demand for religious ceremonies, traditional cooking, and family gatherings.
While acknowledging that ghee is not subject to price controls, Shandil emphasized its importance during this time, deeming the steep price increase both alarming and unacceptable.
“Although suppliers attribute the hike to rising raw material costs, the Council questions the extent of this increase. Such a significant rise cannot be solely explained by external factors like production costs. Businesses must ensure that their pricing strategies are fair and should not take advantage of current conditions to generate excessive profits at the consumers’ expense,” she stated.
The Council urged traders to practice moderation, particularly as the festive season leads to increased demand for ghee.
Shandil underscored that this situation should not be overlooked while families cope with rising financial pressures. She reassured that the Council would closely oversee the situation and hold traders accountable for any unfair practices that negatively affect consumers, encouraging the public to report any unjustified price increases to the Council.