Fiji Bus Operators Association president Nisar Ali Shah says the increase in fuel price will greatly impact their operators since fuel makes up a significant cost of doing business.
He says operators will find it difficult to absorb this increase in cost without direct government support.
Mr Shah made the comment in response to the new fuel prices that came into effect on March 1.
“Fuel is a significant direct operating cost for bus operators. Each time the fuel price goes up, operators must absorb the increase without much in the way of support,” Mr Shah said.
He said unlike other privately-established businesses, bus operators were unable to pass on any increase in the costs of doing business to their consumers because it was a tightly regulated industry.
Mr Shah said apart from fuel, operators had other costs that could not be avoided or cut, such as for tyres, spare parts and maintenance.
He said the association had also written to the Minister to suggest ways the Government could support the industry.
