FCEF urges clear communications on fuel crisis
The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) is calling on the Government to clearly communicate its plans and messaging, in relation to the fuel crisis.
“The assurance that we have adequate fuel for 90 days and that there will be no price hike and then the overnight announcement of price increases of four products is not generating confidence within the private sector”, said Mr Edward Bernard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – FCEF.
He added that in times of crisis, it is imperative that there are clear and precise plans and messaging reaching businesses and the public.
Business continuity depends on advanced planning and robust contingency plans against disruptions.
“An overnight increase of up to 35% for diesel and 20% for petrol, impacts heavily on business planning, and will have a direct impact on goods and services. While most businesses have a business continuity plan, understanding our governments plan of action and have this clearly communicated is imperative”, says Eldon Eastgate – General Manager Pacific Islands at Essity Australasia (Fiji) Ltd & FCEF President
FCEF says the business community and public are looking forward to hearing about any national plans that will support business sustainability so that customers can be adequately served and workers can continue to be employed.
FCEF strongly advises all businesses to activate their Business Continuity Plans (BCP).
Fuel prices up
Fuel prices have surged sharply across Fiji.
New prices approved by the Fijian Competition and Commission (FCCC) came into effect on April 1, pushing fuel costs up by as much as 75 cents (US$0.35) per litre in some categories.
On Viti Levu, petrol now sells for $2.93 (US$1.46) per litre, up from $2.44 (US$1.20), while diesel has climbed from $2.14 (US$1.07) to $2.89 (US$1.44) per litre. Kerosene recorded one of the biggest jumps, rising from $1.69 (US$0.84) to $2.40 (US$1.20) per litre. Prices in all other locations have also risen.
The FCCC says “While prices may increase, ensuring that suppliers are able to access, and secure supply is critical to prevent shortages and maintaining economic stability.”
Despite the spike in fuel costs, LPG prices have remained largely stable, with slight decreases recorded for cylinder products.
Australia watching impact of war on Pacific
Australia is considering aid options to ensure Pacific nations have access to fuel, as the Middle East war threatens to derail several diesel-dependent island economies.
AAP reports Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong as saying there had been talks between Australia and Pacific allies about potential support measures.
“We’re looking at what we can do and how it is we might assist, but obviously at this time, our first priority has to be to secure supply for Australians,” she said.
“We’re a responsible Pacific partner; we’ll continue to work with them and look at what we can do to support them through this”
Australia and the Pacific are set to play key roles in the 2026 United Nations climate talks, with the larger nation running multilateral negotiations and pre-meeting leadership events in Fiji and Tuvalu.
Pacific Island economies are at risk of a major energy shock as tensions in the Middle East push up oil prices, with a new report warning of steep cost increases and growing pressure on already fragile economies.
Analysis by Zero Carbon Analytics shows the region’s heavy reliance on imported fuel leaves it exposed, with around 80% of energy supply tied to oil.
The report highlights the scale of the potential impact, with Fiji facing a sharp jump in fuel costs.
“Fiji’s annual refined fuel import bill could rise by USD$670 million, a 115% increase from 2025 levels, equivalent to nearly three times the country’s annual healthcare budget.”
Officials in Fiji say the country is already moving towards renewable energy.
“Fiji has made a clear commitment to deriving 100% of electricity production from renewable sources by 2035. Our national policies are clear that this commitment isn’t just about reducing emissions, it’s about protecting our economy and delivering long term energy security,” said Fiji’s Permanent secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael.
“When our energy comes from the sun, wind and other indigenous sources of energy, nobody can cut off our supply and our exposure to oil price volatility and the implications of a war happening on the other side of the world are minimised.”
