Rising living costs placing pressure on Fiji families

Rising living costs across Fiji are placing increasing pressure on low-income households, says Emele Diwaqa.

Ms Diwaqa said families were struggling to cope with increasing fuel, transport and electricity costs that were reshaping daily life.

The 37-year-old from Vakativa, Wailevu East in Cakaudrove said rising expenses were affecting all income earners but were hitting low-income households hardest, especially families with school-aged children and large households dependent on daily wages and public transport.

She said bus fares, fuel prices and electricity bills continued to rise, forcing families to adjust spending habits and reconsider basic needs.

Some households had reverted to traditional cooking methods such as firewood stoves, while others, including Ms Diwaqa, had shifted to using public transport because of high fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.

She warned that without intervention, the rising cost of living could worsen poverty and contribute to social issues, including drug-related problems.

Ms Diwaqa called for Government intervention, saying policies must reflect the realities faced by both rural and urban communities as many families struggled to maintain basic living standards.

She also urged stronger social support measures to help vulnerable households manage rising expenses and better protect children’s welfare across Fiji.