Cement and related materials recorded an increase of 22 per cent in price in 2022 compared with an increase of 1.5 per cent in 2021.
The Fiji Bureau of Statistics released the latest statistics on the Building Material Price Index which is compared with those of earlier periods to gauge the price movements of a representative list of building materials.
According to the bureau the annual all items building material price index (BMPI) for 2022 stood at 118.4 – registering an increase of 13.0 per cent when compared with Annual 2021.
The bureau highlighted that the increase in price of cement and related materials was brought on by the higher prices recorded for cement, sand, aggregate (20mm), standard concrete block 100 thick, standard concrete block 150 thick, bond beam block 100 thick, bond beam block 150 thick, corner block 150 thick, plain end jamb block 150 thick and visqeen.
Meanwhile plumbing ware recorded an increase of 11.6 per cent in 2022 compared with a decrease of 4.0 per cent in 2021.
According to the bureau contributing to this increase were the higher prices recorded for P.V.C standard gutter, 15mm P.V.C pipe (6m long), 20mm P.V.C pipe, 75mm P.V.C downpipe, 100mm P.V.C pipe, W.C. suite complete with pan, cistern and seat, double/single stainless-steel sink, standard precast concrete single bowl/double bowl standard precast concrete, waste pipe 1 ½”, waste pipe 2″ and PVC glue 100 grams.
An increase of 7.7 per cent was recorded in prices of paint and glass in 2022 when compared with an increase of 1.4 per cent in 2021.
Higher prices were recorded for metal primer, timber primer, under coat, finishing coat, concrete paint, cemstik, clear glass 24″x 6″x 4mm, obscure glass 36″x 6″x 5mm, varnish, paint brush 100mm, multipurpose thinner, mineral turpentine and long nap roller.
Price of wood and related materials recorded an increase of 3.7 per cent in 2022 compared with an increase of 6.1 per cent in 2021 whereby contributing to this increase were the higher prices recorded for rough gauged treated No.1 framing grade, dressed treated No.1 framing grade, dressed treated No. 1 dressing grade, dressed hardwood No.1 framing grade and 150mm damp proof course.
Iron and steel recorded an increase of 2.5 per cent in 2022 compared with a decrease of 0.8 per cent in 2021.
The bureau shared that this increase was a result of the higher prices recorded for 24 gauged standard ridge cap, 24 gauged x 250 girth barge flashing, double side aluminium sisalation, 12mm mild steel in concrete & block work, roofing nail, galvanized louver frame: 4 blade, galvanized louver frame: 7 blade, lumberlok strip brace and purlin straps .
Floor and wall tiles recorded an increase of 0.2 per cent in 2022 compared with a decrease of 0.3 per cent in 2021 with the higher prices recorded for vinyl floor tiles and vinyl tiles adhesive contributing to this increase.
Electrical products recorded a decrease of 1.7 per cent in 2022 compared with a decrease of 5.2 per cent in 2021.
Contributing to this decrease were the lower prices recorded for main switch, single gang switch, light bulb, lead wire and starter.
