PRICES of produce at the Nausori and Suva markets are expected to almost double as Fiji continues to feel the impact of the war in the Middle East through rising fuel costs.
Market vendors from both municipalities told this newspaper the cost of transporting produce to the market had increased, making it harder for them to maintain prices while trying to earn enough to support their families.
Nausori vendor and president of the Nausori vendors, Sureti Aditukana Vasukiwai, 38, of Naitasiri, said vendors were struggling as their expenses continued to rise.
“Market vendors are on the brink of collapse as the prices of our expenses soar,” Ms Vasukiwai said.
She said each cargo now cost $10, while vendors also had to pay for bus fare, market amenities, sleeping space and toilets.
“Due to the increase in fuel, I am not too sure if profits will be enough to carry my family through the next market trip.”
Ms Vasukiwai said vendors were unsure how they would continue if their costs kept increasing.
“I ask the Government of Fiji to think of us farmers and market vendors.”
Suva vendor Atelaite Wainileba, 35, also of Naitasiri, said farmers from the interior of Naitasiri and remote parts of Tailevu were facing the “cruel reality” of rising fuel prices.
“The crisis has affected most of us who rely heavily on transporting their cargo,” Ms Wainileba said.
“The rise in fuel prices is not offset by the price ceiling.”
She said vendors were now collectively calling for the price ceiling on produce to be raised so they could meet their livelihood needs.
Another vendor, Venaisi Rokolikuboca, 34, said the fuel increase had also affected farming costs in the village, including kerosene use and tractor hire for ploughing land.
“We are trying to increase the prices of our produce, such as cabbage, from $2 and $3 to $4 and $5,” she said.
Ms Rokolikuboca said vendors were receiving backlash from members of the public for trying to raise prices.
“They don’t see the early hours of the morning of blood, sweat and tears in the field.
“Most of us stay up from night until evening the next day.”
