A recent glance at several major supermarkets along the Suva-Nausori corridor has highlighted a significant rise in the price of a 750ml bottle of ghee, jumping from an average of $24.02 to $31.24 this week.
Seema Shandil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, expressed concern over this alarming price increase of over $7 in just a few weeks, stating that it imposes an undue burden on consumers.
This surge in price comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the festive season approaches, during which ghee sees heightened demand for religious rituals, traditional dishes, and family celebrations.
Shandil noted that while ghee is not subject to price controls, it is an essential item during this season, making the sudden price spike both worrisome and unacceptable.
Despite suppliers attributing the hike to increasing raw material costs, the Council is skeptical about the justification for such a substantial increase. They emphasized that businesses have an obligation to ensure that their pricing strategies are fair and do not take advantage of current circumstances to excessively profit at consumers’ expense.
The Council is urging traders to exercise moderation, especially with the anticipated increased demand for ghee as the festive season approaches.
Shandil stated that such actions should not be tolerated while families are grappling with rising financial pressures. She also assured that the Council will keep a close watch on the situation, hold traders accountable for any unfair practices, and encouraged Fijians to report any further instances of unjustified price hikes to the Council.