Fiji’s inflation rate dropped to -0.9 percent in April 2025, marking the lowest monthly rate since May 2021 and a significant decline from 7.1 percent recorded in April 2024. The decline in inflation reflects easing price pressures across key categories, particularly food, transport, clothing, and utilities.
“This is welcome news for both the Government and ordinary Fijian households,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad. “It reflects the combined impact of favorable global commodity trends—particularly falling fuel prices—and the Government’s targeted interventions to contain cost-of-living pressures.”
The easing of inflation comes as the temporary effects of VAT reforms continue to taper off and global supply chains stabilise. Looking ahead, inflation is expected to remain subdued, providing much-needed relief for families across the country.
Since taking office, the People’s Coalition Government has implemented a comprehensive range of measures to cushion vulnerable households from inflationary shocks. These include:
•Maintaining zero VAT on 22 essential food and household items;
•Increasing social welfare assistance by 15 to 25 percent;
•Written off $650 million in debt owed by more than 53,000 families;
In parallel, the Government has delivered broader structural support to enhance household income and economic resilience:
•Raising the national minimum wage, first to $4.50 and most recently to $5.00 per hour as of April 2025.
•Secured a record sugarcane price of over $100 per tonne for farmers;
•Raised civil service salaries, injecting $85 million into the economy; and
•Increased budgetary allocations to the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors to drive rural livelihoods and food security.
“Government remains firmly committed to protecting the welfare of all Fijians,” Professor Prasad said. “We will continue to monitor inflation developments closely and stand ready to take further action where necessary to support households and promote broad-based, inclusive economic growth.”
Deputy PM and Minister for Finance
Hon. Biman Prasad