Bus fare, flour, FMF breakfast crackers and bread prices will increase from next Friday

Bus fare, flour, FMF breakfast crackers and bread prices will increase from next Friday after the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission completed its review of prices of these items.

CEO Joel Abraham says after considering all the costs associated with the transportation industry, they have approved an increase of 36.3% in all stages.

He says the bus fare review was conducted under the bus fare regulatory framework in assessing the price change.

Abraham says the key consideration in determining this fare includes the cost of providing services, and the need for greater efficiency in the supply to ensure that there is reduced cost and benefits for consumers as well as bus operators.

He adds an increase in the maximum bus fare of 36.3% in all stages has been quantitatively deemed necessary for the sustainability of the Fijian bus industry.

The CEO says Stage 1 fares increases from 75 cents to $1.02, Stage 2 fares will increase from $1.18 to $1.61 and so on.

Abraham says the FCCC undertook a thorough review of cost components and has approved an increase of 8% to 9% depending on individual flour products.

He says a normal 10kg flour packed at factory wholesale will go from $14.57 to $16.30 while the retail price will be factored from $15.68 to $16.95.

He adds following the review of flour prices and submissions by manufacturers, FCCC also approved changes in the prices of bread and biscuit.

The CEO says FMF breakfast crackers 375g price increases from $1.70 to $2, FMF 5kg plastic pail increases from $28.41 to $32.14 while the 2kg plastic pail price increases from $12.36 to $13.89.

Abraham says three bread prices that are regulated by FCCC which include long loaf will increase from 71 cents to 94 cents, medium white 600g slice increases from $1 to $1.54 and medium wholemeal 600g slice increases from $1.14 to $1.63.