Household budgets across Fiji could soon come under pressure as rising global fuel costs threaten to push up prices for goods and services.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce president Vinesh Dayal says ordinary families are likely to feel the greatest strain once higher fuel costs start filtering through the economy.
“We believe the pockets of families will be hit the hardest in the coming weeks as fuel prices are expected to increase,” he said, warning the effects could be felt by mid-April or May, just weeks before the national budget announcement.
Mr Dayal said rising fuel costs would eventually push up prices for goods and services, affecting both businesses and consumers.
He called for an awareness campaign in Labasa to help people prepare.
“We should create an awareness week or an awareness campaign informing and encouraging ordinary shoppers on how to start planning for the fuel hike,” he said, suggesting practical steps such as carpooling, using public transport and relying more on local produce.
Households should also consider planting their own food.
“And we need to start planting more instead of relying on everything from supermarkets because eventually prices will increase due to the fuel hike.”
Businesses, he said, must manage operating costs efficiently.
“We need to relook at our costs and manage them more efficiently to ensure that any increase is not too heavy on the ordinary Fijian. We need to be proactive and start preparing.”
Mr Dayal also urged the Ministry of Finance to factor rising fuel costs into the upcoming national budget and consider concessions or rebates to ease the burden.
