El Nino likely to shadow food prices, supply in Fiji, warns consumer watchdog

SUVA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Food prices and the availability of essential goods could come under pressure in Fiji as El Nino brings drier-than-normal conditions to much of the country, according to Fiji's consumer watchdog.

File photo: AFP

The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) said Friday that prolonged dry weather could reduce local food production while increasing reliance on imported goods, potentially pushing up procurement, freight and retail costs.

Fiji is experiencing an El Nino phase, with its weather agency forecasting below-normal rainfall across most parts of the country.

El Nino, associated with unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, can disrupt normal rainfall patterns across Pacific Island countries.

The FCCC said sugarcane is particularly vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions, while rice, cassava, taro and other crops could also be affected.

Fiji's experience during the 1997-1998 drought highlighted the potential impact -- the country's sugarcane harvest fell by about half after two consecutive dry seasons, with some areas suffering complete crop losses.

The effects could extend beyond agriculture. Fiji imports a significant share of its food and raw materials, meaning reduced domestic production could increase demand for imported substitutes.

The FCCC said this could push up procurement, shipping and landed costs, particularly for goods not subject to price controls.

International prices, freight and logistics costs and fertilizer prices could add further pressure to imported food and groceries.

The FCCC said it would continue monitoring prices and supply conditions as the El Nino develops.