Opposition Exploiting Fuel Crisis to Rebuild Tarnished Reputation, Says Prasad

National Federation Party (NFP) leader Professor Biman Prasad has hit back at Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj, accusing him and the Opposition of using the global fuel crisis to salvage their tarnished reputation from the FijiFirst government.

“The entire world is suffering through a global crisis caused by disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict, but the opposition is framing it as if it's the government's fault,” said Prasad.

“During a time when our people need accurate information and to prepare themselves for tough times which we can't control, instead the Opposition is fearmongering, making things worse and ultimately making it harder for people to prepare themselves,” he said.

Professor Prasad said the opposition's criticism of government relief measures was also “reckless and dishonest” and failed to reflect the true state of the economy.

“Hon Maharaj is desperately trying to get some political mileage from the crisis. What he doesn’t tell you is that the fundamentals of the economy are strong,” he said.

He pointed to low inflation, rising incomes, increases in minimum wages and civil service pay adjustments as factors that have placed households in a stronger position to deal with global pressures.

“The Opposition is being totally reckless and dishonest in their comments on the crisis and how it’s affecting people. They are doing more to confuse the public rather than offering honest analysis,” Professor Prasad said.

“All Hon Maharaj, Hon Usamate, Hon Kumar and opposition leader Hon Inia Seruiratu are doing is trying to salvage their reputations as former FijiFirst members,” he said.

The response comes after Mr Maharaj said that government relief failed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and called for tax cuts, including reductions in VAT and fuel-related charges, arguing that current government measures do not go far enough to ease cost-of-living pressures.

Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has noted that Fiji experienced low inflation and even periods of deflation in 2025, with falling prices for key items such as food, fuel and transport helping ease pressure on households.

The ADB also highlighted that strong income growth and consumer demand continue to support the economy.