The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation has called on Government to clearly communicate its plans and messaging in response to the ongoing fuel crisis, warning that uncertainty is affecting business confidence.
FCEF chief executive officer Edward Bernard said mixed signals on fuel supply and pricing were creating concern within the private sector.
“The assurance that we have adequate fuel for 90 days and that there will be no price hike, and then the overnight announcement of price increases… is not generating confidence within the private sector,” he said.
Mr Bernard stressed that in times of crisis, clear and consistent communication was critical.
“It is imperative that there are clear and precise plans and messaging reaching businesses and the public,” he said.
FCEF said sudden fuel price increases — including reported rises of up to 35 per cent for diesel and 20 per cent for petrol — were already impacting business operations and planning.
FCEF president and Essity Australasia (Fiji) Ltd general manager for Pacific Islands, Eldon Eastgate, said the increases would have flow-on effects across the economy.
“An overnight increase… impacts heavily on business planning and will have a direct impact on goods and services,” Mr Eastgate said.
“While most businesses have a business continuity plan, understanding our Government’s plan of action and having this clearly communicated is imperative.”
Mr Bernard acknowledged that the situation was driven by global factors but said Government must ensure the business environment remained stable.
“The private sector acknowledges Government constraints… however, Government must ensure that our alignment to ensuring the ease of doing business is maintained,” he said.
FCEF welcomed the recent establishment of a Fuel Controller, Fuel Advisory Committee and a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Fuel, but said businesses were now looking for clear national strategies.
The federation has also written to the Fuel Controller, calling for private sector input in developing contingency measures, including fuel allocation priorities.
FCEF is urging all businesses to activate their Business Continuity Plans as uncertainty in fuel supply and pricing continues.
