Savenaca Narube, the leader of the Unity Fiji party, is urging the Government to reassess the list of goods subject to price control with the aim of temporarily expanding it. He believes this adjustment would enable both the Government and businesses to reformulate how price increases are calculated, allowing for a fairer distribution of the financial burden.
Narube criticized the government’s approach to tackling the cost of living in the national budget for 2024/2025, which he claims has primarily concentrated on increasing incomes through higher minimum wages and additional allowances for education and welfare. According to the former governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the current Coalition Government is failing to effectively address the soaring cost of living that continues to adversely affect families throughout Fiji.
He stated, “The increase in prices for many goods and services cannot be justified by any economic reasoning. Sellers are taking advantage of the cost-of-living crisis to maximize their profits.” Narube emphasized that Unity Fiji has consistently advocated for a dual approach to managing the rising cost of living, asserting that the burden has been disproportionately shouldered by the populace.
In addition, he proposed that the Government shift customs duties from essential goods to luxury items without diminishing overall revenue and also recommended a review of Fiji’s exchange rate policy to enhance the stability of the Fiji dollar.