Supermarkets in Fiji are experiencing a massive shortage of onion supply attributed to a challenging growing season in New Zealand.
And according to the Government, unfavourable weather conditions had disrupted this supply chain that had subsequently resulted in a hike in onion prices that is now costing nearly $2 more for the same period a year ago.
In a statement yesterday, the Government stated that several traders in the country had imported onions from the United States throughout the holiday season to fulfill local demand, and incurred additional freight costs – “inevitably reaching consumers through hiked prices in shops and supermarkets”.
“However, the Government of Fiji is working closely with the New Zealand Commerce Commission to monitor the situation in order to determine the most effective solution to the shortfall,” the Government stated.
“In the interim, the Ministry of External Trade, Co-operatives and SMEs is taking all proactive measures to mitigate the impact felt by consumers – collaborating with the FCCC (Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission) and the Council (Consumer Council of Fiji) to ensure traders do not violate consumer protection provisions outlined in the FCCC Act of 2010 – especially in regards to overcharging.
“More broadly, the new Government will start exploring diversification of sources of key commodities such as onions, where possible in the medium term.”
The Government stated that a recent product and market analysis by the FCCC revealed a significant price hike for onions.
“After assessing the market, the Consumer Council of Fiji has stated that this transitory issue will be normalised in a few weeks, whereby consumers can be reassured the supply of onions will be restored in shops and supermarkets.”
