THE 22.5 per cent interim bus fare increase that was entirely borne by the Government will no longer be in effect from August 31.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) confirmed yesterday that the base fare for buses on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu would revert to previous rates, while Taveuni buses would move to a customised pricing system based on the island’s specific operating costs.
FCCC’s chief executive officer Senikavika Jiuta said the commission’s regulatory intervention was aimed at maintaining a sustainable operating environment for the bus industry while safeguarding consumers’ continued access to public transport.
“Regulation is about getting the balance right,” Ms Jiuta said.
“Our responsibility as a regulator is not simply to respond to changes in costs, but to make decisions that protect the public interest while ensuring essential services remain sustainable.”
Ms Jiuta said the interim fare adjustment was introduced to support the viability of bus operators amid exceptional fuel cost pressures while ensuring public transport remained available to consumers.
She said with market conditions improving, the benefits of those improvements should also be reflected locally.
“Following the decline in fuel prices in the recent months it is only fair to reflect the impact locally with the cessation of the interim bus fares on 31 August 2026.”
The interim bus fare adjustment was introduced following significant increases in fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The tensions disrupted crude oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to substantial increases in international fuel prices. However, it seems fuel prices have fallen in recent months. The commission said it would continue to closely monitor global fuel price movements.
