Vendor Plead for Budget Relief Amid Rising Costs

For 32-year-old market vendor Sevuloni Kai from Nauluvatu, Waidina in Naitasiri, life has become a daily challenge of stretching every dollar just to survive.

Like many hardworking Fijians, he watches the price of food, fuel, and other basic needs rise while wages remain the same.

“The price of goods and services in Fiji is too high,” he said, with concern written on his face.

“In the 2025-2026 Budget, something should be done to help people like us who are struggling to meet daily needs.”

Mr Kai believes the Government must do more than just acknowledge the problem, it must act. He says that even a small reduction in the cost of essential items or increased support for low-income earners would make a big difference.

“Some weeks, we have to choose what to leave out - because what we earn isn’t enough,” he added.

“We don’t want anything fancy. We just want to live without so much stress.”

With the 2025-2026 National Budget around the corner, Mr Kai is hoping that the cries of ordinary people will finally be heard.

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