Fuel hoarding has begun to rear its ugly head at the fuel pumps, forcing the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF) to issue a statement urging motorists to show restraint and responsibility.
“Reports have reached the Council of individuals bringing large gallons to service stations across the country, fuelled by anxieties over geopolitical conflicts and the resulting disruption of global supply chains,” CCF chief executive officer Seema Shandil said.
She said there have been recent cases where consumers and commercial operators were observed engaging in the bulk-buying and hoarding of fuel.
“While these international tensions may lead to anticipated increases in costs, the Council stresses that current domestic supply levels do not justify the level of panic currently being displayed at the pumps.
“The Council warns that this behavior is creating a dangerous ‘artificial shortage’ where one would not otherwise exist.
“By attempting to stockpile fuel, consumers are depleting local reserves faster than the supply chain can naturally replenish them, effectively bringing about the very shortages they are trying to avoid.”
Ms Shandil said this has happened before during the COVID-19 pandemic, with toilet paper, sugar and salt.
“In those instances, the supply was sufficient for the population’s needs, but the sheer volume of panic buying created empty shelves and unnecessary hardship for others.”
The Council also warned of the risks of hoarding fuel at home or in unregulated commercial spaces, where it poses a significant fire hazard to families and the wider community.
“We urge both private citizens and commercial operators to maintain their normal purchasing habits and buy only what is necessary for their immediate operations to ensure that essential services and the general public have fair and equitable access to fuel,” Ms Shandil said.
