Government and the Fiji Fuel Retailers Association (FFRA) have urged all customers around the country to remain calm and avoid speculative buying of fuel amid concerns of a fuel crisis emanating from the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In Suva and Nausori yesterday, vehicle owners lined up service stations to fuel up in fear of supply shortages.
Yesterday, the FFRA called on customers to only take what they normally needed because it would extend the country’s collective supply and better position the sector to handle any potential disruptions.
“Stockpiling will lead to an artificial crisis, potentially turning a manageable situation into a real shortage,” Sumeet Singh of the association said in a statement yesterday.
“A sudden spike in demand will overwhelm the logistical capacity to transport and replenish fuel at individual service stations, leading to localised shortages.”
Mr Singh said fuel hoarding could also disrupt essential services sector from accessing the fuel they needed for critical operations.
“Improper storage of fuel can significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion, creating safety risks for households and communities.
“Please only take what you normally need, as this will extend our collective supply and better position us to handle any potential disruptions. We appreciate your consideration for everyone’s needs.”
Fuel supplier TotalEnergies managing director and CEO Bhavana Samel said there was no shortage of stock in Fiji and TotalEnergies would continue to supply to the citizens.
“TotalEnergies Fiji is proactively managing its fuel distribution to ensure steady supply for the country while global fuel markets remain volatile,” Ms Samel told this newspaper.
“However, there has been a sudden increase in demand. We are urging the public to avoid storing large quantities of fuel in containers in a closed area due to safety risks and to ensure fair access to all motorists.”
In a statement before this edition went to press last night, the Government said Fiji had sufficient fuel supply.
“Fuel supply in the country is sufficient to meet the energy needs for the next few months and there is no need to indulge in ‘panic buying’ at the service station,” it stated.
It said it was closely monitoring the developments emanating from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, and meeting with local suppliers who had already secured fuel supply.
It stated Cabinet would meet today to firm-up on the plan of action for the long term, if there was no resolution to the conflict in the near future.
“The public is once again advised to only access information from verified sources and the Government has assured that it will provide regular updates as and when needed.”
