Following the findings of a comprehensive multi-week market surveillance exercise by the Consumer Council of Fiji that consumers are grappling with a growing form of “hidden” inflation, the Fiji Council of Social Services says it hopes the government budget will reflect the needs and aspirations of all communities, particularly amid the rising cost of living pressures families are facing.
While speaking to fijivillage News, FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga says they had anticipated increases in the prices of goods given the global situation, particularly the war in the Middle East.
She says one of the things they have encouraged families to do is focus on family budgeting, promote financial literacy and grow their own food.
Catanasiga says people do not need to buy everything from supermarkets, as locally grown food is often healthier.
She highlighted that they have been requesting the government to support communal food gardens, particularly in economically depressed areas.
Catanasiga says they have also been promoting financial literacy at the community level.
Insert: Vani on forgotten and excluded, 19th May 26
The national budget will be announced on June 26th.
