Fish vendors feel rising costs

Suva [Fiji], August 9: Seafood vendors are spending more on transport to bring their catch to the market as rising fuel prices, transport costs and changing weather conditions continue to affect their livelihoods.
Some vendors are now sharing transport costs to reduce expenses and ensure they can continue meeting customer demand.
For seafood vendor Makelesi Lewa from Kadavu, the journey from Nadoi Village in Rewa to sell at the Suva market has become increasingly expensive.
"Before, we used to pay $15 per trip, but now with the increase in fuel, we're paying $20. Depending on the number of days you're travelling, I pay $80 every Saturday for boat fare."
She says the increased cost of transportation is difficult to manage, especially while also meeting household expenses.
Lewa says sharing transport with other market vendors has helped reduce some of the costs.
She says when travelling by boat, passengers pay $2 per person from Nadoi to Nasali Landing, followed by a $3 bus fare from Nasali to Suva, and another $3 for a wheelbarrow to transport their goods from the bus stand to the market.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation