SUVA, April 25 (Xinhua) — The global fuel price crisis is beginning to impact businesses across Fiji, with higher import costs expected to drive up consumer prices, the Suva Retailers Association said.
Association president Jitesh Patel said Friday that rising fuel prices are increasing shipping and importation costs, making goods sourced from key partners such as New Zealand, Australia, China and India more expensive.
Local media reported that the situation reflects wider global pressures, with strained supply chains and cost increases at multiple levels.
Patel said some businesses are attempting to absorb part of the increases by cutting internal expenses but warned this may not be sustainable.
He noted that import costs are rising at varying rates, with some increasing by about 10 percent and others by as much as 15 percent, depending on the source market.
Retailers are also constrained on items under price control, where margins are already tight, making it difficult to absorb additional costs.
The association warned consumers to expect further price increases as new stock arrives at higher prices in the coming weeks. ■
