CANE lorry operators could face the possibility of not receiving any concessions on the road levy or fuel rebates next year.

The warning from the Fiji Sugar Corporation came after farmers raised concerns with industry stakeholders that cartage fees had increased in some areas despite the concessions and rebates being granted to lorry operators by the government this year.

“This has been pointed out to us by a number of growers and it is a shame that lorry operators have not passed on these savings to growers,” said FSC executive chairman Abdul Khan.

“We will review this in the coming season and one possibility we are looking at is paying these savings directly to farmers instead of lorry operators.”

Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Sundresh Chetty said he was aware of lorry operators charging exorbitant cartage fees as mills in the Western Division drew closer towards termination dates.

“If normal charges are $7 per tonne, lorry owners are asking for up to $12 per tonne,” Mr Chetty said.

“We are very grateful to the Government for granting these concessions and rebates but it is very disappointing to learn that savings have not been passed on to growers.

“It is unfortunate that the industry has to take measures which could include the removal of these concessions and rebates from lorry operators next year.”