A recent survey of major supermarkets along the Suva-Nausori corridor has uncovered a significant rise in the price of a 750ml bottle of ghee, which has surged from an average of $24.02 to $31.24 this week.
Seema Shandil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, expressed concern over the more than $7 increase in just a few weeks, stating that it places an undue burden on consumers. She highlighted that this price spike occurs at a critical period as the festive season approaches, during which ghee is in high demand for religious ceremonies, traditional cooking, and family celebrations.
Shandil pointed out that while ghee is not subject to price controls, its importance during this time makes the sudden and considerable price increase both alarming and unacceptable. She noted that suppliers have attributed the price hike to rising raw material costs, yet the Council questions the extent of this increase. The steep rise in price cannot be solely explained by external factors such as production costs, according to Shandil, who asserts that businesses have a responsibility to ensure their pricing decisions are fair and do not exploit the current situation for excessive profits at the expense of consumers.
The Council is urging traders to exercise restraint, particularly with the festive season approaching, which will likely increase demand for ghee. Shandil emphasized that such price hikes should not be tolerated as families confront mounting financial pressures. She added that the Council will continue to monitor the situation closely and hold traders accountable for any harmful practices. Additionally, she encouraged Fijians to stay alert and report any further instances of unjustified price raises to the Council.