A recent survey of major supermarkets in 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 her concern over the more than $7 increase in just a few weeks, stating that this has placed an undue burden on consumers. The timing of this spike is particularly troubling as it coincides with the festive season when the demand for ghee typically increases due to religious ceremonies, traditional cooking, and family gatherings.
Shandil emphasized that, despite ghee not being price controlled, it is an essential commodity during this time, making the abrupt and substantial price hike alarming and unacceptable.
“While suppliers have attributed the price increase to rising raw material costs, the Council questions the scale of this rise. Such a steep increase cannot be solely justified by external factors like production costs. Businesses must ensure their pricing practices are fair and not exploitative amidst current conditions,” she stated.
The Council is urging traders to exercise caution, especially with the festive season approaching, which is expected to boost ghee demand.
Shandil remarked that these price hikes should not be tolerated while families are experiencing financial strain. The Council will monitor the situation closely, holding traders accountable for any practices that negatively impact consumers, and encourages Fijians to report any further unjustified price increases.