Update: 1:17PM THE prices of Jasmine Rice and ghee (milk fat) have increased in local supermarket shelves.
As a result, the Consumer Council of Fiji has advised consumers to make prudent choices when shopping for the two items.
Council CEO Premila Kumar said they were not aware of this price increase, but companies they approached confirmed the hike.
She said those companies clarified the price increase was attributed to the change in global prices and supply shortages, affecting the prices of the two products.
In particular, Mrs Kumar said because of the increase in prices of world dairy products, the suppliers had increase its export price of milk fat in August this year.
Similarly, she said because of an increase in the global demand for Jasmine Rice, exporter Vietnam was unable to supply sufficiently to all its markets.
But according to the Council’s survey, here is what consumers are likely to be spending on the two products:
– the retail price of a 750ml bottle of ghee in February was on average around $10-$11; and this month shot up to $16.95;
– the retail price for 10kg Jasmine Rice in February ranged from $16-$18, and this month is in the range of $19.50-$24.
“However, given that both items are not under price control, different brands of the milk fat and Jasmine Rice are being sold at varying prices in the supermarkets,” Mrs Kumar said.
“In such situation, consumers are reminded to exercise consumer responsibility and engage in comparative shopping to get a cheaper deal in some supermarkets compared to others.”
