Fuel hike threatens livelihood of Fijian vendor

Rising fuel prices are severely impacting the livelihood of Melania Moqeibau, a 72-year-old vendor in Fiji who sells one-dollar rotis to support her family. The increasing costs of essential goods, including flour, cooking oil, and kerosene, are making it increasingly difficult for her to sustain her small business.

Moqeibau spends approximately seven dollars daily on kerosene to cook the rotis, forcing her to consider raising her prices. "Selling roti helps me provide for my family, but the constant increase in the prices of essential items such as flour, cooking oil and fuel is making it increasingly difficult," she stated. "Despite these challenges, I continue to do my best to support my household."

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Selling roti helps me provide for my family, but the constant increase in the prices of essential items such as flour, cooking oil and fuel is making it increasingly difficult. Despite these challenges, I continue to do my best to support my household.

Taufa Qoro, a member of the Lami District Council of Social Services, highlighted the broader implications of the fuel hike. He noted that the increase is expected to have a ripple effect on household expenses, particularly burdening low-income families. Qoro emphasized that individuals residing in informal settlements and rural communities are the most vulnerable, as their daily activities and livelihoods heavily depend on fuel.

"Those living in informal settlements and rural villages are particularly vulnerable, as many depend heavily on fuel for their daily activities and livelihoods," Qoro said. "They would welcome any reduction in fuel prices to help ease the financial burden." As fuel prices continue their upward trend, many families are bracing for further increases in their overall cost of living.

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Those living in informal settlements and rural villages are particularly vulnerable, as many depend heavily on fuel for their daily activities and livelihoods. They would welcome any reduction in fuel prices to help ease the financial burden.