Fiji’s Consumer Price Index edged up slightly in March, while annual inflation remained in negative territory, according to the latest figures released by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics.
The bureau said the All Items CPI rose by 0.1 per cent in March 2026, increasing from 112.0 in February to 112.1.
However, the average annual rate of inflation for the 12 months to March 2026 stood at negative 1.9 per cent.
The March increase was driven mainly by higher prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, which rose by 2.5 per cent.
Prices also increased for clothing and footwear, restaurants and hotels, health, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and miscellaneous goods and services.
Food prices recorded a 0.1 per cent rise, with increases noted in bread and cereals, milk, cheese and eggs, fruits, vegetables and confectionery items.
At the same time, some major categories recorded falls. Transport declined by 1.4 per cent, reflecting lower prices for motor cars, spare parts and accessories, fuels and lubricants, and passenger air transport. Recreation and culture fell by 1.2 per cent, communication dropped by 1.1 per cent, and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels declined by 0.2 per cent due to lower liquid fuel prices.
The Bureau noted there are currently non-additivity issues between category indexes and the All Items Index, and users should exercise caution when interpreting the figures while the matter is being investigated.
The next CPI release for April 2026 is due on April 30.
