Fijians Paying More for Less as Shrinkflation Rises

Fijians are increasingly feeling the pinch of rising living costs, not just through overt price hikes, but through the insidious practice of 'shrinkflation.' Opposition MP Premila Kumar has brought this issue to the forefront, warning that consumers are quietly paying more for less as everyday products shrink in size without adequate disclosure.

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Between 2023 and 2025, several everyday products that are staples in almost every Fijian household were reduced in quantity without clear disclosure to consumers.

Kumar pointed to alarming examples such as powdered milk decreasing by 11% in weight while its per-gram cost rose by 23 cents, and toilet paper packs shrinking by a third, effectively doubling the cost per sheet. These aren't minor adjustments; they represent a significant, hidden increase in the cost of living, disproportionately affecting low-income families who spend a larger portion of their budget on essential goods.

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Mr. Speaker, sir, these are not small changes. These are real increases in the cost of living.

While the government acknowledges these concerns, the focus has largely been on monitoring prices rather than the value consumers receive. Minister for Trade, Professor Biman Prasad, has assured that a Price Monitoring Enforcement Task Force is now actively investigating both shrinkflation and 'skimflation' (reducing quality while maintaining price). However, he also noted that global factors like rising import and fuel costs contribute significantly to price pressures, a point often emphasized by government officials when discussing economic challenges.

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If costs are rising, then be honest about it. Inform consumers clearly. Allow them to make informed choices. Do not hide price increases behind reduced quantities.

From a Fijian perspective, the lack of transparency in product sizing is a critical issue of consumer rights. While international news might focus on inflation rates, the reality on the ground for ordinary Fijians is that their hard-earned money buys less. The call for clear unit pricing and honest communication from businesses is paramount, ensuring that consumers can make truly informed choices rather than being misled by deceptive packaging and shrinking quantities. This issue underscores the need for vigilant oversight to protect the value that matters most to the average Fijian household.

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The Price Monitoring Enforcement Task Force, is, Mr. Speaker sir, now looking at aspects of shrinkflation and skimflation, and making sure that the businesses, the retailers, and those who are involved in that kind of practice are taken to task or provided an opportunity to correct and to provide a better process in terms of transparency in the prices and in the quality and quality of products that they put out to the consumers.