The bus sector has requested if they can receive duty free fuel in the form of rebate to ease the burden of running an essential service in the 2024 to 2025 financial year.

Fiji Bus Operators Association president Richard Lal said this proposal was not new and was in place to support the industry until it was removed by the previous government for unknown reasons.

“It was unfortunate since the industry transports thousands of people daily, many of whom cannot afford any other form of transport,” he said.

Since then, Mr Lal said the industry has faced mounting costs and service delivery expectations with little in the way of government support.

“This is despite being tightly regulated by government agencies.”

In response to queries, he said bus operators were still struggling to maintain safe and comfortable services as the cost of doing business continue to escalate.

“The volatility of fuel price is one of our biggest costs and risks associated with running bus services, and this is not likely to ease any time soon.

“A fuel rebate will assist the industry and ensure the travelling public does not have to absorb any potential fare increases”