FCCC Warns Against Fuel Hoarding

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is urging the public and businesses to avoid panic buying and hoarding fuel as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global energy supplies.

In a public advisory, the Commission said the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with tanker traffic through the vital shipping route reportedly falling by between 70 and 80 percent since the conflict escalated. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed on 2 March that the strait had been closed to commercial shipping.

The disruption has already pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising to as much as US$92 per barrel, compared to around US$73 before the conflict began in late February. Qatar has also halted liquefied natural gas production at major export facilities, further tightening global energy markets.

FCCC Chief Executive Officer Senikavika L. Jiuta said while Fiji’s current fuel stocks remain stable and incoming shipments have been confirmed, irresponsible buying behaviour could create unnecessary shortages.

“Please do not hoard or stockpile fuel. Hoarding does not protect you and ultimately it harms everyone, including yourself,” Jiuta said.

She warned that panic buying can quickly empty service stations faster than supply can be replenished, creating an artificial shortage that affects families, businesses and essential services such as emergency responders.

FCCC said hoarding can occur at two levels — consumers purchasing fuel far beyond their personal needs, and traders deliberately withholding supply in an attempt to drive up prices or exploit scarcity.

The Commission confirmed it has stepped up market monitoring in response to the evolving situation. To date, FCCC has conducted 151 nationwide inspections across the Central, Western and Northern divisions to verify compliance with regulated fuel and LPG prices. According to the Commission, full compliance has been recorded so far with no breaches detected.

However, Jiuta warned that any attempt by traders to exploit the current circumstances will be dealt with firmly.

“Hoarding is a breach of Section 87G of the FCCC Act 2010 and any attempt to exploit the situation, whether through hoarding, overcharging or non-compliance with regulated prices, will be detected and dealt with severely,” she said.

Fiji relies heavily on imported fossil fuels for transport and electricity generation, meaning global supply disruptions can quickly translate into higher local prices.

FCCC said the global shipping disruptions mean replacement fuel shipments may take longer to reach Fiji as tankers are rerouted and delivery times increase.

Jiuta noted that with global oil prices already elevated, Fiji — as a price taker in international markets — is likely to experience price impacts in the coming months.

“Responsible fuel usage is not just a personal choice, it is a national obligation,” she said.

The aviation sector is also expected to feel pressure from the supply disruptions, with reduced tanker movements tightening jet fuel availability and increasing airline costs — a development that could have implications for Fiji’s tourism sector.

Global shipping giants including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and CMA CGM have reportedly suspended operations through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict.

FCCC said it will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as the situation evolves.