Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has today stressed that he is not deliberately delaying the approval of price increase applications filed by Flour Mills of Fiji Limited for flour and sharps.
Chaudhry said FMF should understand that the application goes through the Prices and Incomes Board before it is forwarded to him, and after careful consideration a decision is made on price increases.
He also rejects suggestions that he has been ignoring Punja over the past few months.
When Village News questioned Punja whether he was trying to fast-track the price increase applications, the FMF chairman said the fact remains that the delays have resulted in a huge loss for his company.
Punja has also warned that following the import duty reductions announced by Chaudhry for rice and peas or dhal, people should expect a price hike on these items.
However, Chaudhry said the import duty reduction for rice and dhal will stay as the interim government wants to ensure that basic food items are affordable for the people of the country.
Meanwhile, Punja met with Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama yesterday.
FMF Applications Not Delayed
Related Stories
We are committed to holding elections – Siromi Turaga
Questions were raised during Dialogue Fiji’s Constitution review discussion on whether the government can delay the general elections and complete the Constitution review however Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga
Fijian economy on track to grow for fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4%
The Fijian economy is on track to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 by 3.4 percent, following a 3.5 percent expansion in 2024. The growth forecast is revised up marginally from the 3.2 percent projected
Heavy Rain Alert for Eastern Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and maritime areas
A heavy rain alert is now in force for the eastern half of Viti Levu (Navua–Suva–Nausori to Serua–Namosi to Tailevu–Naitasiri–Ra areas), southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, the Lau an
We need to dismantle criminal enterprises, hitting them where it hurts most - Speaker
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has highlighted during the opening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Conference that there is a need for prosecutors in the country to master the digital frontie
Fiji has learned from its past and we know that restricting media engagement or access is not the answer - Tabuya
At all times, the public interest in accessing information and the media’s role in scrutinising government must outweigh any unilateral power to silence or sideline a news outlet. In Fiji, we uphold the principle that
Wailea resident raises concerns about drug issues raised countless times with Police while COMPOL says official complaint must be lodged
Wailea Settlement Community leader, Inoke Utona says he has raised the issue of drug use and dealing in their area countless times with the authorities but there has still been no response from Police. However when