Key stakeholder organisations within the sugar industry acknowledged and welcomed the Government’s announcement of a $5million fuel subsidy package for the industry.
In a statement released on June 26, the Sugar Industry Tribunal (SIT) confirmed it had met with the Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) last week to discuss key industry matters in preparation for the 2026 crushing season.
“The assistance is intended to cushion the impact of increased harvesting and transportation costs and support the timely commencement of harvesting operations,” the statement said.
“The meeting noted that the fuel subsidy will be paid directly to growers to subsidise approved harvesting and cartage rates in accordance with the Government’s mandate.”
The tribunal said the subsidy applicable to truck and tractor operators would be administered through the approved cartage and revised cartage rates based on average distances and tonnage.
“With respect to mechanical harvesting, the subsidy is estimated to provide a benefit of approximately $5 per tonne of cane mechanically harvested.
“The subsidy arrangement will take immediate effect, subject to the allocation of funds and the FCCC rate review process.”
The tribunal confirmed that eligible cane growers will receive the approved subsidy allocation through their cane delivery payments.
“Details of the applicable rates are available through the respective FSC sector offices.”
