An increase in the price of flour has raised widespread concerns in Fiji that low-income households will be severely affected.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission announced the rise in the cost of wheat products on Wednesday - attributing it to global market conditions.
The Commission said Fiji sources most of its wheat products from Australia, and any increase in the prices of wheat in the Australian market will have an impact locally.
Wheat field Photo: 123RF
The consumer industry watchdog confirms the domestic increase will be 21 percent.
Fiji Council of Social Services executive director Vani Catanasiga said "the increase will greatly impact families".
Catanasiga said flour is a key part of the diet for people in the country.
She said the sharp increase in the price of wheat stressed the "need to reintroduce local and healthier foods into family meals."
Former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry also weighed in, calling on the government to step in and offer assistance to citizens "to cushion the impact of the price increase."
