Residents in Lautoka have started using backyard gardening and carpooling to cope with rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of goods and services.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Navneet Ram stresses that this is not a time to blame anyone, but to find other ways to manage and survive.
Ram, who is also a taxi driver says due to rising fuel prices, taxi drivers have started working longer hours to provide for their families.
He says previously he spent $30 a day on fuel; however, his fuel expenses have now increased to $50 or more daily.
The Kashmir resident says he has now started encouraging his children to travel to school by bus.
He also says that families in Lautoka have started backyard gardening to support their households, as prices may increase again.
Insert: Ram on backup 26th April Hindi
Ram stresses that families are now prioritising and buying only essential goods due to the rising cost of living.
He adds that he has also seen families install solar-powered lights to help save money on electricity bills.
Ram is encouraging everyone to start backyard gardening and have a backup plan, as circumstances can change at any time
