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 surged from an average of $24.02 to $31.24 this week.
Seema Shandil, the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, has expressed concerns over this shocking price increase of over $7 in a matter of weeks, stating that it places an undue burden on consumers. She highlighted that this price spike coincides with the festive season, a time when ghee is highly sought after for religious ceremonies, traditional cooking, and family gatherings.
Shandil pointed out that, although ghee is not subject to price controls, it is an essential product during this period, making the sudden and substantial price hike alarming and unacceptable.
While suppliers have attributed the increase to rising raw material costs, the Council questions the justification for such a steep rise, arguing that it cannot solely be excused by external factors like production costs. Shandil emphasized that businesses must ensure their pricing practices are fair and not exploit current market conditions to gain excessive profits at consumers’ expense.
The Council is urging traders to exercise caution, particularly as demand for ghee is expected to intensify with the approaching festive season. Shandil stated that such practices should not be tolerated, especially as families encounter increasing financial challenges.
The Consumer Council will continue to monitor the situation closely and hold retailers accountable for any practices that may negatively impact consumers. Fijians are also encouraged to stay alert and report any further instances of unjustified price hikes to the Council.