Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has criticised the sudden increase in fuel prices, describing the move as reckless and a sign of poor coordination within Government.
Mr Seruiratu said he was “deeply concerned, but not surprised” by the announcement, which came just hours before the new prices took effect.
“Only two weeks ago, the Prime Minister gave a clear assurance to the Fijian people that there would be no fuel price hike and that there was no need to panic,” he said.
“The Minister for Finance reinforced this position… yet overnight, those assurances have been completely contradicted.”
He said the situation reflected a Government “in chaos”.
“This is a glaring example of a Government in chaos, a Government where the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing,” Mr Seruiratu said.
The Opposition Leader also criticised the Fiji Commerce and Consumer Commission (FCCC) for the timing of the announcement, saying it showed “a complete disregard for ordinary Fijians”.
“I find it highly reckless and unacceptable that the FCCC chose to announce such a significant nationwide fuel price increase just four hours before midnight,” he said.
Mr Seruiratu questioned what had changed to prompt the sudden adjustment.
“If the Government was so confident that there would be no increase, why were Fijians blindsided in this manner?” he asked.
He also called on the FCCC to explain whether the previously stated two-month lag in global fuel price movements had been applied.
“The FCCC must now come forward and justify why this position has suddenly shifted and whether proper oversight and coordination existed within Government before this decision was made,” he said.
Mr Seruiratu warned that the increase would worsen the financial strain on households already facing rising costs.
“Families are already grappling with rising food prices, transport costs and general cost of living pressures. Fuel price increases of this magnitude will only worsen these hardships,” he said.
He urged Government to act swiftly, including reviewing fuel tax levies to provide immediate relief.
“At a minimum, Government must demonstrate that it is prepared to act decisively to cushion the burden on households and businesses,” he said.
