Rising fuel prices are placing increasing pressure on family budgets, with one Nadi resident saying the latest increases are making it harder for working families to make ends meet.
Arvin Sharma of Kerebula Settlement says the higher cost of essential items is having a significant impact on his family's finances, particularly as he is the sole breadwinner supporting his parents.
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Sharma says the increase in gas prices has been especially challenging, noting that a 12-kilogram gas cylinder now costs close to two days' wages for many workers.
He says after deductions and household expenses, there is very little left to save at the end of the month.
According to Sharma, the rising cost of fuel, groceries and other essentials has made it increasingly difficult to manage daily expenses, including transport and food costs.
He says his family has considered alternatives such as using firewood for cooking, but this is not an option because his mother suffers from asthma and would be affected by the smoke.
Instead, they are exploring the use of kerosene stoves as a more affordable alternative.
While Sharma says he is fortunate to have stable employment, he is concerned about the impact of rising living costs on low-income earners and daily wage workers.
He says many families in the same community rely on daily wages, making it difficult to cope with increasing fuel and household costs.
Sharma believes the burden is particularly heavy on workers who depend on daily earnings to provide food and other necessities for their families.
