Shoppers complain about rise in food prices

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Asilika Tabualasi doing her shopping in Suva. Picture: PAULIASI MATEBOTO

As Fijians eagerly await the announcement of the 2023-2024 National Budget, they hope Government will step in and look into the increasing cost of food items.

A random survey by a team from this newspaper found many cash-strapped shoppers complaining about the rise in prices of basic food items like flour and rice.

Mother of three Asilika Tabualase said shopping was a nightmare.

The Kinoya resident claims she spends more money today compared with last year on the groceries she purchases every week.

Ms Tabualase said the price of rice and sugar had almost doubled over the past three to four years.

Suva market vendor Lalita Chand also expressed similar sentiments that Government must step in and find ways to bring down the cost of goods and services.

Mrs Chand said while her income remained the same over the past few years, the price of basic food items had increased dramatically over the same period.

“Before, I could buy 10kg of flour for around $10, now the same flour is almost $20,” she said.

The 57-year-old, who works for a stall owner as a salesperson, said feeding her family of seven was becoming a burden.

Mrs Chand is hopeful the Government will implement sound economic policies to address the excessive cost of living.