Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says we have $1.9 billion worth of foreign reserves today.

This was highlighted by the Attorney General while speaking at the Budget Consultations in Nadi.

Prior to 2006, foreign reserves had fallen to $500 million and this was a real concern at the time.

As the Minister for Economy continues to take budget submissions and hold consultations around the country, Sayed-Khaiyum says the National Budget is all about competing interests.

Sayed-Khaiyum says inflation is a concern after Cyclone Winston.

He says one kg of yaqona now costs $110 and a few months ago a bunch of bananas was selling for $15.

Sayed-Khaiyum says pawpaws were also very expensive because of Cyclone Winston.

He says the inflation rate is now slowly stabilising.