The rising cost of living continues to place pressure on market vendors, as they are now forced to significantly increase prices to earn a reasonable profit.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Suva Market vendor Karolina Bualau, who is originally from Nukubalavu Village in Savusavu, says the cost of produce bought from middlemen has become very expensive, leaving vendors with little choice but to buy at higher prices.
VITI INSERT: Bualau on rising costs 19th May
Bualau says a box of papaya now costs around $50, while a bag of lettuce, which used to cost $20, has now increased to $30.
She says ginger used to cost only $50 per bag, but it now ranges from $100 to $120 for a large bag and around $80 for a small bag.
She says kumquat can cost between $50 and $60 per bucket, while eggplant prices range from $100 to $160 per bag.
Bualau says vendors are left with no option but to increase prices.
She also revealed that she used to sell eggplant for $3 per plate, but has now raised the price to $7 in order to make a profit.
Bualau says cassava used to cost $40 per bag, but it now costs between $70 and $100 per bag, which has led her to increase the price to $10 per bundle.
She says customers sometimes complain that prices are too expensive, but she explains that vendors are also buying products at high prices and need to earn a living.
Bualau says there are days when she earns only around $50, while rising fuel prices have also directly affected their business and daily income.
She adds that there are times when she gives goods away for free to help people who cannot afford to buy them.
