Relief from rising fuel and food prices is among the key measures Lautoka residents want the Government to prioritise in the 2026–2027 National Budget next week.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Lautoka resident and Ratepayers Association President Narayan Reddy says growing financial pressure on families and the sharp increase in fuel costs have affected people's daily lives, earning capacity and spending power.
Insert:Reddy on incentives 16th June
He also raised concerns about reports of students going to school without lunch, reduced working hours in some companies and job losses, which residents say are placing additional strain on families.
Reddy is urging the Government to provide fuel relief to taxi operators and rural service licence holders, noting that while assistance has been provided to the bus industry, taxi operators continue to face rising operating costs.
He says rural transport operators play a critical role in transporting children to school and supporting communities in remote areas.
The rising cost of basic food items was another major concern raised as Reddy points to increases in the prices of bread, flour and noodles.
He believes lower taxes could help bring down prices and ease pressure on both consumers and businesses.
Some residents also urged the Government to review its spending priorities and focus on assisting families struggling to meet basic needs such as food and water.
While wage growth has often been viewed as a way to improve living standards, some residents cautioned against further increases to the minimum wage at this time, arguing that businesses may pass higher labour costs on to consumers through increased prices.
The 2026/2027 National Budget will be delivered next Friday.
