Why Did FCCC Raise Fuel Prices Too Early, Asks Kumar

Opposition MP and former Consumer Council CEO Premila Kumar has blasted the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) over what she describes as an unjustified and premature fuel price increase, questioning why the hike was implemented earlier than expected under Fiji’s pricing system.

Kumar said the increase does not align with FCCC’s own one-month lag pricing formula, under which April fuel prices should be based on international market conditions and exchange rates from February.

She argued that recent global developments, including the Iran conflict, which escalated in mid-March, cannot be used to justify the April price increase.

“According to the FCCC’s own pricing formula, Fiji uses a one-month lag system — meaning that April’s prices should be based on international market conditions and exchange rates from February,” Kumar said.

“This makes the current increase questionable.”

Kumar also pointed to earlier assurances from the Minister for Finance that fuel prices were expected to remain stable until at least May, raising further concerns about the timing of the increase.

She said the sharp rise in fuel costs would place additional pressure on families and businesses already struggling with the cost of living.

Kumar is now calling on the government to consider relief measures, including reviewing fuel taxes, noting that countries like Australia have previously reduced fuel taxes to ease pressure on consumers.

“Families and businesses are already under pressure from high living costs. What is the government doing to provide relief?” she said.

“Will Fiji’s Coalition Government review its current fuel taxes — 20 cents per litre on diesel and 46 cents on unleaded — to help lower costs for consumers?”

Fuel prices increased from April 1, with diesel rising by up to 75 cents per litre and other fuel types also recording significant increases across the country.

We have sent questions to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.