Govt must reduce duty on freight costs and remove VAT on basic food items in the Revised Budget – Prof. Prasad

National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says Government must remove VAT on basic food items, reduce duty on freight costs and remove the 20 cents per litre tax on fuel in the Revised Budget.

Prasad says one of the biggest issues is that about 30% of the population were living below the poverty line even before COVID and according to their estimation, almost 50% of Fijians are currently struggling to put food on the table.

Prasad says people are living under the highest ever cost of living in this country’s history and Government must ensure that the Revised Budget addresses VAT as a major issue.

He says this is a Government who had promised in 2014 not to put VAT on basic food items however they broke that promise.

Prasad says the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has been going around the country and talking about why the prices are rising.

The NFP Leader says the 20 cents per litre tax on fuel has to go.

Prasad adds he hopes the Revised Budget will deal with the cost of living in a decisive manner.

He is also hoping that the Minister for Economy’s consultation was not just the campaign strategy and he has listened to the people.

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will deliver the Revised National Budget at 7.30 tonight.