BulA Vinaka shoppers, Fuel prices have jumped sharply this month, and everyone is feeling the pinch one way or the other.
New fuel prices from April 1 for petrol increased from $2.44 to $2.93 a litre (20 per cent increase); diesel rose from $2.14 to $2.89 a litre (35 per cent); kerosene climbed from $1.69 to $2.40 per litre (71 per cent), while premix increased to $2.76 a litre.
The increase triggered public concern about rising living costs, which every shopper needs to be mindful of as it will continue to increase and affect almost everything else we buy.
The price hike has been attributed to rising global oil prices, tensions affecting key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, our dependence on imported fuel, and currency pressures alongside increases in refined fuel costs internationally.
Officials warn the increases would push up bus fares and transport costs, food and goods prices, tourism travel costs, and the overall cost of living.
The government is now urging people to carpool, reduce travel and use public transport to ease the pressure as more increases are anticipated.
The increase here at home was implemented by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, which sets the maximum retail rates based on international fuel costs, freight charges and other import expenses.
Since the increase, Maria, who works in Suva, says they now cook all their staples in their outdoor fireplace at their Wailoku home to save some money.
The sole breadwinner, who supports two sons as well as her husband, has reduced her shopping budget by buying more local products.
She said while they have cut down on items such as peanut butter and cereals, her family has stocked up on firewood for cooking.
They are also mindful of using their brush cutter since the cost of premix increased.
Suva accountant Joseph says he has cut his family of five’s budget by relying more on fresh food.
They plan all their car trips more thoughtfully and have started to plant more vegetables like bele to supplement their meals.
In their backyard they have passion fruit, soursop and dragon fruit, giving them a healthy supply of fruits.
Judy, who is single, says she has cut down on using electricity and only buys what she needs as opposed to what she wants.
Hassan says he has reduced his transport runs and, when he does visit the city, he kills several birds with one stone.
On trips to the dentist, the retiree also checks his mailbox at the Post Office, goes to the bank and drops by Pearce Home where he volunteers as chair to make sure all is well with residents and staff.
He parks his car and walks to nearby grocery stores to top up supplies at home, allowing room for exercise as well as savings on his Hyundai Tucson’s fuel consumption.
At home, he and his wife only take two meals a day – breakfast and a late lunch or early dinner, which has been their usual practice since COVID-19.
When they attend family or friend’s weddings or birthday parties, they skip meals at home.
They buy more fresh veges and fruits from the market and have reduced their reliance on supermarket food, most of which is imported and expected to increase in price.
Their early dinner is usually a full meal of roti and curry chicken, rice and vegetables, or sometimes dalo and boiled food.
The couple have reduced the number of times they cook at home and freeze portions for another day’s meal, to save on cooking expenses.
If visitors come with cooked meals, to their family home in Nasese they ration the supplies to last several days while also offering takeaways for relatives to take to their homes.
He warns that the situation of rising costs on food and services has only started and will get worse .
He says it would remain that way for years, so people need to be serious about cutting down on their groceries budgets and spending and plan on better ways to sustain themselves during these challenging times ahead.
Matron Bau, who manages 10 residents at the Butt Street retirement home, says she has told staff to reduce electricity usage, limit hot water baths and do little things such as turning off fans on cooler days.
She has also asked the staff to be mindful of using washing detergents so supplies last longer without compromising cleanliness and hygiene at the home.
They have also been cautioned not to waste food and to be wise with the use of supplies.
As households adjust to the rising cost of fuel, many are changing daily habits, cutting back on non-essential spending and relying more on homegrown alternatives which are more affordable and healthier.
With global fuel prices remaining uncertain, these small but practical adjustments are necessary for families and households trying to manage their spending in order to maintain stability in the months ahead.
