Fuel price hike
Fuel politics
Who’s really playing fuel politics here? While the former finance minister, honourable Biman Prasad, is urging the public not to play politics, it has already become a political issue. (FT 02/04) He says not to blame Fiji for rising prices but rather point fingers at ‘global forces’. How about the people of Fiji were left blindsided by an overnight fuel price hike despite assurances just two weeks ago by the current finance minister and our prime minister that there would be no increase before May. Words about external pressures are cold comfort when ordinary Fijians face the immediate sting at the pump. Very soon the taxi and bus proprietors would ask for fare increases and prices of all other commodities will eventually increase. But hey, the salaries and purchasing powers of ordinary Fijians will remain the same. Therefore, my question remains – who is playing the fuel politics? The ones who were actually unaware or the ones who said afterwards, “I was unaware!” DINESH KUMAR Ba
What a relief!
Professor Biman Prasad needs to understand that people need relief from high fuel cost now not later. With the increased fuel price, cost of doing business goes up which will be filtered to the ordinary people. Hon Prasad needs to understand that for many of us who survive on pay to pay, it becomes hard to survive. Please people need relief now, not the relief in future as who knows what outcome the next general election can bring. I remember the previous FijiFirst government removed the 20 cents per litre tax. If they could do it, why can’t the current government do the same? Joseph Chand Lautoka
Below the belt
The FCCC has clearly dealt everyone a below the belt hit with the fuel price hike. One month lag, two month lag rules, all jettisoned. It’s time those at FCCC are jettisoned. Donald Singh Nausori
More needed
Now that the fuel crisis has suddenly caught up with the people of Fiji, I believe it is time to appoint more ministers to manage the upcoming crisis which is going to impact all aspects of life. I do not believe that the current crop of 35 ministers and assistant ministers (not sure how many there are exactly) will be able to cope. We need more ministers, more flashy fuel guzzling cars and more salusalu, kalavata and keke to get the job done. There is no time to waste. And where should these additional ministers come from, you ask? Simple. I believe the GCC has men and women full of wisdom. I have always maintained, Fijians are truly blessed. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Fuel price up
Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel had recently assured the public that Fiji had sufficient fuel reserves to last us for three to four months and will continue to work with suppliers to maintain stability. I guess he was wrong and was just probably shooting in the dark. Walla! — fuel prices magically shot up overnight. While it is appreciated that fuel pricing is regulated by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission and influenced by international market dynamics, including global oil prices, exchange rates, and freight costs, the timing of this huge increase appears inconsistent with the earlier assurance of stability. This situation prompts a reasonable query, should existing fuel stocks, presumably procured at lower rates, not continue to be sold at the previous prices until such time as new, higher-cost shipments are brought in? Wouldn’t this sudden price change be ethically and morally unacceptable? With the significant price increase, no wonder motorists are left flabbergasted and furious at the petrol pumps across the country. I believe those who had earlier purchased fuel in unusually large quantities (panic buying) must be having the last kaila! – at least for the next couple of weeks or months. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Cost cutting comments
Wise Muavono’s comments for Lautoka City Council to take those responsible for throwing rubbish to task, asking the question: “Who you expecting to collect it? Your father?” (FT18/3). It shows how frustrated the high paying rate residents are. Let’s work on cost cutting ways in this high cost of living crisis. Civic pride should be everyone’s concern. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Athletics championship
Two years ago, I wrote a letter calling for improvements in the organisation and officiating of the Fiji Finals Athletics Championship, popularly known as the Coke Games. As this year’s championship approaches, I feel compelled to reiterate and expand on those concerns. First, the onus lies with the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association (FSSAA) to ensure there are officials’ briefings prior to the Games. With the dedication and commitment athletes invest in their preparation, it is essential to guarantee there are no officiating mishaps or controversies that could undermine their hard work and the integrity of the competition. Second, sponsors such as Coca-Cola should demand that the games be conducted in a transparent and professional fashion. Public confidence in the event depends on clear processes, consistent officiating, and accountability at all levels. Third, Athletics Fiji must ensure that the games are aligned with established international standards. Too many promising athletes leave school for other sports, academics, or professional paths, which contributes to athletics not rising to the level it could regionally and internationally. Adherence to rigorous standards could help retain talent and elevate the sport’s profile. Moreover, it is high time athletics is recognised as a viable and rewarding option for our youth as they mature, particularly given the challenges facing our country in areas such as HIV and drug abuse. Athletics can play a critical role in youth development, health, discipline, and community engagement if given proper support and structure. Above all, it should be made explicit that the games are primarily for the athletes, not the officials. Officiating must be conducted to the highest standards possible, with fairness, consistency, and transparency as non-negotiable. I urge the relevant bodies — FSSAA, Athletics Fiji, the Coca-Cola sponsorship partners, and the broader athletics community — to take these points seriously and implement concrete improvements this year. The future of our young athletes — and the reputation of Fiji athletics — depend on it. Mitieli Waqa Nairai Rd, Raiwai, Suva
Moment of truth
It has been a long wait, perhaps testing his patience to the limit but for now, the moment of truth, has arrived for Senirusi Seruvakula. This is his golden opportunity to cement his status as the best national coach to push the Flying Fijians to greater heights. All the best to our interim Flying Fijians coach as he guides us through a critical period when we are just over a year away from the 2027 Rugby World Cup. May rugby fans support coach Seruvakula. I hope he includes powerful loose forwards playing in Europe as well as local based players in our domestic competition who have been overlooked by the Drua side. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Waste to energy
Plenty spanners being thrown in the works now. What he said, she said, they said, they never said, all creeping out of the woodwork. Don’t want Aussie benu here. Period. Veitalia what he said, she said, they said and what they all never said. Donald Singh Nausori
Navua Town?
You will “soon” be declared a town in the 2026/2027 financial year. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself like Nadi, promised city status almost 20 years ago, yet still stuck as… a flood ravaged town. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Have a heart
Ronnie Chang tells us “Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, you remain our saviour. We count on you” (FT 2/4). I wonder how many of the surviving 1400 pensioners whose FNPF money was illegally reduced by the Bainimarama regime share Ronnie’s faith in Rabuka remedying the injustice inflicted on them? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Fuel crisis
On 1/04/2026 it was so comforting for the Australians to listen to their Prime Minister tell them of the strategies his government has put in place to ease their fuel woes. What did we get from our PM? Front page of FT 18/03/2026: No fuel price rise. Amazing! Chris Roxburgh Ragg St, Simla, Lautoka
Price rise
It would be logical to assume this month’s increase in fuel prices had nothing to do with the Iran conflict re: Strait of Hormuz closure. That should affect us from May onwards, according to the one month delay in prices formula that we use. So, obviously there must have been a major increase in the import prices in February, to warrant the current high increase — prior to the Gulf crisis related increases, expected from May onwards! Edward Blakelock
Pacific Harbour
Easter, fuel, incinerator
Essence of Easter!
As we mark Good Friday, it is important to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Easter is at the very heart of the Christian faith, and is the most significant holy day celebrated by Christians. Today is Resurrection Day. This day brings out the message of hope, as Easter is a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life. When Jesus laid down his life on the cross, he paid the full penalty for sin by offering the perfect, spotless sacrifice. Subsequently, by rising from the dead, the Lord defeated the power of sin and death and purchased, for all who believe in Jesus Christ. During Easter, let’s put aside our differences, unite and reconcile our differences, and embrace each other. It is important to keep our hearts full of love and forgiveness, spread goodwill and remove hatred and malice. As we celebrate Good Friday, it’s important to pay heed to the values that are embedded in the Bible – the values of love, sharing and caring, self-sacrifice, kindness, compassion, humility and respect. Easter is a time of reflection and most importantly one of renewal. It’s never too late to redeem ourselves and change for the betterment of humanity. As we celebrate Easter, we should remind ourselves about priorities and the challenges we face. This is also an opportunity to consider the plight of our citizens in need who are struggling to make ends meet daily. As I conclude, I wish all my Christian brothers and sisters a blessed Good Friday and a beautiful Easter. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Immediate interventions
The recent announcement by the FCCC regarding the April 1 fuel price hike is a staggering blow to every Fijian household. With unleaded petrol jumping to $2.93 and diesel nearly hitting the $3 mark, we are facing a national emergency. While global geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beyond our control, our domestic response is not. It is time for the Government to consider drastic measures to minimise national fuel consumption while still maintaining vital revenue streams. I propose two immediate interventions: First, we must restrict the use of private passenger vehicles. During this crisis, road access should be prioritised for essential business vehicles, logistics, and public transport. This shift would provide a much-needed boost to our economy; more passengers using public transport means a higher volume of fares and VAT flowing directly back to the Government through the e-transport system. I am not suggesting we stop the importation of vehicles. We should continue to allow vehicle imports so the Government does not lose out on essential landing port fees, customs duties, and registration revenue. However, once these vehicles land, their use on our roads should be strictly regulated through a “Fuel permit system”. Under this model, only registered permit holders — those who can prove a verified need for vehicle use for business or essential services — would be authorised to purchase fuel at service stations. This ensures that while the Government collects its import revenue, our limited fuel supply is reserved for those keeping the economy moving. On the contrary, we can reduce traffic every morning and afternoon where private vehicles congesting public roads are minimised too. Let’s all use public transport and support our economy. We are in extraordinary times that require extraordinary solutions. We must act now to reduce our fuel dependence, protect our national coffers, and ensure our economy remains resilient. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Waste incinerator in Vuda/Saweni
I am a student of International School Nadi and I’m in MYP 1 (Class 7). For my Services Action in School I have chosen to assist the “Protect The Heritage Coast Vuda, Saweni” group. Our aim is to make the people of Fiji and overseas aware of the proposed waste incinerator that an Australian company wants to build along the Vuda/Saweni corridor and get petitions signed against this project which will be presented to the Government of Fiji. As a youth and the future generation of Fiji, I am totally against this Waste Incinerator Project. This project will kill millions of mangroves and destroy the ecosystem. The by-product, which are the ashes from the waste incinerator will have to be placed somewhere which will cause more pollution and the residue can be dangerous. There will be tonnes of waste, which will be brought into Fiji from overseas to be burnt, which is very dangerous as we do not know what sort of rubbish will be brought in. This waste incinerator will also pollute the clean and fresh air. What worries me is that I have a little sister who is four years old, and I want her to grow up in a clean and healthy environment like I have. I don’t want her to breathe polluted air or live near something that could harm her. I hope that the Government of Fiji protects the future generation of this country, they should protect me and my sister and my cousins and all children of Fiji and not allow this waste incinerator project to go ahead. Yaeesh Reddy Lautoka
