Recent surveillance conducted at several major supermarkets in the Suva-Nausori corridor has highlighted a significant surge in the price of a 750ml bottle of ghee, which has risen from an average of $24.02 to $31.24 this week.
Seema Shandil, the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, commented on the alarming increase of over $7 in just a few weeks, emphasizing that this trend is imposing an undue burden on consumers.
This price spike arrives at a particularly sensitive time, as the festive season approaches—a period during which the demand for ghee intensifies due to its importance in religious ceremonies, traditional cooking, and family gatherings.
Although ghee is not subject to price controls, Shandil stressed its necessity during this time, deeming the sudden and significant price rise both concerning and unacceptable.
“While suppliers have attributed the increase to higher raw material costs, the Council firmly questions the extent of the hike. Such a steep jump cannot be justified solely by external factors like production costs. Businesses have an obligation to set reasonable prices and not exploit current conditions to reap excessive profits at the expense of consumers,” she stated.
The Council is urging traders to exercise caution, particularly as the festive season is expected to drive up demand for ghee. Shandil emphasized that this behavior should not be tolerated, especially as families navigate growing financial pressures.
The Council intends to keep a close watch on the situation and hold traders accountable for any practices that negatively impact consumers, encouraging Fijians to remain alert and report any further instances of unjustified price hikes to the Council.