The Fijian government is actively working to alleviate the rising cost of living by implementing measures to ensure that budget relief efforts are directly benefiting households. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has announced the establishment of a task force dedicated to monitoring the effectiveness of government policies on consumer prices. This task force is composed of representatives from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Ministry of Finance, Fiji Commerce Commission, and the Consumer Council, and is tasked with ensuring that reductions in duties and other government initiatives lead to lower prices on essential commodities.
In recent budget measures, the government has reduced or eliminated duties on key items such as chicken, frozen fish, and various fruits and vegetables. The task force’s role is crucial in ensuring that these savings are passed on to consumers, thereby supporting Fijian households. Professor Prasad emphasized the importance of these measures, acknowledging that while the task force cannot monitor every small retail outlet, it strives for general compliance.
In addition to these efforts, the government is providing support to households through subsidies, increased wages for civil servants, and better pricing for agricultural products. Combined with a declining inflation rate and a Consumer Price Index average of negative one percent from January to August 2025, these measures are designed to alleviate financial pressures on Fijians.
By injecting around $500 million into the economy, the government’s initiatives aim to stabilize household finances and enhance living conditions. The sustained period of negative inflation—lasting seven consecutive months—demonstrates a deliberate strategy to mitigate financial burdens.
Overall, these proactive approaches highlight the government’s dedication to lowering the cost of living and improving economic stability in Fiji. By ensuring that policy measures deliver real benefits to consumers, the government seeks to foster a financially sustainable environment for its citizens, providing hope for improved living conditions amidst ongoing economic challenges.