A recent survey of major supermarkets along the Suva-Nausori corridor has uncovered a significant price surge for a 750ml bottle of ghee, rising from an average of $24.02 to $31.24 within a week.
Seema Shandil, the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, expressed concern over the shocking increase of more than $7 in a short period, emphasizing that it adds an unnecessary financial strain on consumers.
Shandil noted that this price spike is particularly troubling as the festive season nears, during which ghee sees a higher demand for religious rituals, traditional cooking, and family events. Although ghee is not subject to price controls, its importance during this time makes the rapid price jump alarming and unacceptable.
While suppliers attribute the increase to rising raw material costs, the Council questions the justification for such a steep hike. They argue that external factors alone, such as production costs, cannot account for the hefty increase. Shandil stressed that businesses should act responsibly and avoid taking advantage of the situation to inflate prices and profit excessively at the expense of consumers.
The Council is urging traders to exercise restraint in pricing, especially with the imminent high demand for ghee during the festive season. Shandil stated that such practices should not be tolerated as families struggle with rising financial pressures.
Moreover, the Council will closely monitor the market and hold traders accountable for any practices that harm consumers. They encourage Fijians to remain vigilant and report any unjustified price increases to the Council.