Fuel shortage experienced by consumers at service stations are due to “technical issues.”
Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) CEO Senikavika Juita said an investigation into reported shortages found no evidence of widespread supply disruption – but instead pointed to a combination of logistical challenges, supplier delays and panic buying by consumers.
The findings follow nationwide monitoring and surveillance conducted by the FCCC, which included 478 surveys across all major divisions.
Teams assessed fuel and LPG stock levels, market conditions and supply availability from retailers, distributors and service stations.
During the operation, the FCCC also launched a separate investigation into a trader suspected of hoarding fuel, after irregularities were detected.
Field observations indicated instances of panic buying and stockpiling by consumers, contributing to what she described as “temporary artificial shortages” of unleaded fuel. However, she confirmed that supplies were later replenished by distributors.
FCCC also identified delays in fuel deliveries, but verified that affected service stations had placed orders on time, with disruptions occurring at the supplier level rather than at retail outlets.
