Cost of living crisis hurting families, Seruiratu warns

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says rising prices of basic goods are placing severe financial pressure on families across Fiji.

Responding to the President’s address at the opening of the 2026 parliamentary session, Mr Seruiratu told Parliament the surge in prices had triggered a cost of living crisis affecting many households, particularly those on low incomes.

“The surge in the prices of goods has triggered a severe cost of living crisis which is disproportionately affecting many households, especially those in the low-income brackets,” he said.

Mr Seruiratu said wages had not kept pace with the rising cost of living, leaving many families struggling to meet daily expenses.

“Prices of basic necessities including food, utilities and transportation, among other things, have increased sharply in the last few years,” he said.

He warned that many families were now facing increased debt and reduced purchasing power.

Mr Seruiratu said some households were already making sacrifices to cope.

“Families are skipping meals, and living in overcrowded spaces just to get by,” he said.

While acknowledging government relief measures, he said many people believed they were not enough.

“Most argue that they are insufficient and are calling for more targeted measures to bring further relief to our communities and to protect our most vulnerable population,” he said.