Mixed messages coming from the Government regarding Fiji’s fuel situation amid the current global fuel crisis are being criticised by the private sector, who has called for clarity to help businesses plan properly.
“The assurance that we have adequate fuel for 90 days and that there will be no price hike and then the overnight announcement of price increases of four products is not generating confidence within the private sector” Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) chief executive officer Edward Bernard said in a statement issued yesterday.
“In times of crisis, it is imperative that there are clear and precise plans and messaging reaching businesses and the public.
“Business continuity depends on advanced planning and robust contingency plans against disruptions.”
Despite assurances last month by the Government that fuel prices will not increase in the near future despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, in which major oil infrastructure have been severely damaged, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) released its fuel prices determination for April late Tuesday night, which saw sharp increases in the prices of fossil fuels.
“An overnight increase of up to 35 per cent for diesel and 20 per cent for petrol impacts heavily on business planning and will have a direct impact on goods and services,” Mr Bernard said.
General Manager Pacific Islands at Essity Australasia (Fiji) Ltd and FCEF president Eldon Eastgate said it was imperative that a clear plan and consistent messaging is communicated and at the right time.
“While most businesses have a business continuity plan, understanding our Government’s plan of action and having it clearly communicated is imperative,” he said.
“The private sector acknowledges Government constraints and recognises that this is a global crisis – which will translate to an increase in the cost of doing business.”
FCEF welcomed the appointment by Government of a Fuel Controller, a Fuel Advisory Committee and a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Fuel a few weeks ago and said the business community and the public were looking forward to hearing about any national plans that will support business sustainability so that customers can be adequately served and workers can continue to be employed.
“FCEF has also written to the Fuel Controller indicating the importance of ensuring that the private sector’s contributions is included in the drafting of the regulations to support contingency measures, including the ability to prioritize fuel allocation,” Mr Bernard said.
“FCEF strongly advises all businesses to activate their Business Continuity Plans (BCP).”
