Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube is urging the Government to reconsider the list of goods under price control, suggesting a temporary extension. He believes this would enable both the Government and the corporate sector to adjust how they calculate price increases for fairer distribution of costs.
Narube, who previously served as the governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, criticized the government for its approach to the rising cost of living in the 2024/2025 national budget, which primarily focuses on increasing incomes through higher minimum wages and allowances for education and welfare. He stated that the Coalition Government’s actions have not adequately addressed the escalating cost of living, which continues to adversely affect families throughout Fiji.
He noted, “The rise in the cost of many items and services cannot be explained by any economic logic,” adding that vendors appear to be taking advantage of the situation to maximize profits. Narube emphasized that Unity Fiji has consistently pushed for addressing the rising cost of living from both angles, pointing out that the entire burden falls on the public.
He urged for a more equitable distribution of the rising costs between the corporate sector and the general populace. Additionally, Narube recommended that the Government shift customs taxes from basic necessities to luxury goods, ensuring that overall revenue remains intact, and called for a review of Fiji’s exchange rate policy to bolster the stability of the Fiji dollar.