Fiji market vendors seek budget relief amid rising fuel costs

Vendors at Nadi market are urging the government for financial relief in the upcoming national budget, citing the escalating cost of fuel as a major burden on their businesses. The rising prices directly translate to increased operational expenses and higher food costs for consumers.

Mariana Divikoca, President of the Namaka Market Vendors Association, explained that higher fuel costs significantly inflate transport expenses. This affects not only the vendors' ability to bring their goods to market but also increases the price of produce sourced from suppliers.

"Higher fuel costs are increasing transport expenses and the price of produce from suppliers," Divikoca stated, highlighting the ripple effect of fuel price hikes throughout the supply chain. The vendors are hoping that budgetary measures will be introduced to mitigate these financial pressures and stabilize market prices.

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higher fuel costs are increasing transport expenses and the price of produce from suppliers