A recent price check at several major supermarkets in the Suva-Nausori area has uncovered a remarkable surge in the cost of a 750ml bottle of ghee, with prices rising from an average of $24.02 to $31.24 within the week.
Seema Shandil, the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, expressed concern over this drastic increase of over $7 in just a few weeks, stating that it places an undue strain on consumers.
This price spike occurs as the festive season approaches, a period when ghee is highly sought after for various religious ceremonies, traditional cooking, and family gatherings.
Shandil pointed out that while ghee is not subject to price controls, it is an essential item during this season, making the abrupt and substantial price jump both alarming and unacceptable.
Although suppliers attribute the price increase to rising costs of raw materials, the Council questions the justification for such a significant rise. Shandil emphasized that businesses have a responsibility to ensure their pricing practices are fair and do not take advantage of current conditions for excessive profits at the expense of consumers.
The Council is urging traders to exercise restraint, particularly as demand for ghee is expected to rise in the lead-up to the festivities.
Shandil concluded by stating that this situation should not be overlooked, especially as families are dealing with increasing financial challenges. The Council will keep a close eye on the market and hold traders accountable for any harmful practices impacting consumers, encouraging people to report any cases of unjustified price hikes to the Council.