A growing number of Fijians are worried about their future as the rising cost of living continues to place pressure on families, students, workers, and business owners across the country.
These concerns were highlighted through a short video presentation shown by Dialogue Fiji during the State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue 2026, where ordinary Fijians shared personal stories about the challenges they face as prices of food, fuel, transport, medication and other basic necessities continue to rise.
University of the South Pacific law student Vipin Maharaj says he is concerned about whether he will be able to secure a well-paying job after graduation.
Maharaj says many young people are now questioning whether they should remain in Fiji and contribute to the country's development or seek better opportunities overseas.
He stresses there is uncertainty about the future, with many graduates fearing they may only secure minimum-wage jobs despite investing years in their education.
He says young people want to contribute to Fiji's growth and he hopes the state of the economy improves so graduates can build their futures at home and help create a stronger economy for future generations of Fijians.
Another 22-year-old student Elena Vakarorogo says increasing food prices and transport costs are already affecting students and creating anxiety about future employment opportunities.
She questioned where the younger generation would be in the next five years if current economic challenges continue.
Another Student Sireli Domoni says students has voiced concerns over the rising cost of fuel and food, questioning what the future will look like for young people over the next five years.
The student says many people have been trying to absorb the increasing costs wherever possible but are worried about how long they can continue to do so.
Business owners also shared concerns about escalating operating costs.
Px All Pharmacy Director Naveel Goundar says that freight costs have increased by as much as 80 percent and, in some cases, have doubled due to rising fuel prices.
He says these increases are beginning to affect the cost of medication, with some lower-priced products already doubling in price.
Goundar warns that if the trend continues, more expensive medicines could soon become unaffordable for many families.
He also expresses concern about global instability, particularly developments affecting international shipping routes and fuel prices, saying even if fuel costs eventually decline, businesses rarely reduce prices once they have increased.
A Market vendor Tililia Takayawa also spoke of changing consumer habits as people struggle to cope with higher prices.
She says customers who previously bought larger quantities are now purchasing much smaller amounts because they can no longer afford their usual spending.
A working mother Avleen Chand describes the situation as extremely difficult for families raising children.
Insert: Chand on struggles due to cost of living 10th June
Chand calls for improvements that would make basic necessities more affordable and ease the burden on families.
Taxi driver Shalendra Kumar also raised concerns about the impact of fuel prices on their livelihoods.
Kumar says both passengers and drivers are struggling, with customers worrying about supporting their families while drivers face increasing fuel expenses that reduce the income available for their own households.
The presentation stresses that the people featured in the video were not seeking sympathy but were calling for decisions that reflect the realities they face every day.
@fijivillage.com #fijivillageONRECORD ♬ original sound - fijivillage
