WITH a new crushing season looming, growers are getting increasingly worried about the rising fuel costs they would have to contend with when harvesting begins.
Fiji Cane Lorries Association president Atish Kumar said lorry drivers are concerned they would not be able to meet the costs of carting cane to the mills when harvesting begins between May and June.
“We are already anticipating it to go up again from May,” he said.
Without industry stakeholder and government help, he said some lorry drivers will be affected.
“The cost of a battery for one truck has gone up to $350 and you need two 24-volt batteries.
“For the tractor you need the 70-volt battery which now costs about $250.
“This is why some of them are asking for an increase in the cartage rate from $12 per tonne to $15.”
He said government subsidies for lorry drivers should also be increased.
“They are paying more than $33 to transport cane from Penang to Rarawai, I think they should increase that and the transport from Rarawai to Lautoka could be moved up by $1 or $2.”
Former FSC board member Arvind Singh said harvesting for the next season would be impacted if more increases to fuel costs were implemented.
“We are also paying the mechanical harvesters,” said Mr Singh.
“Both of these need fuel. We won’t be able to survive if it increases again.”
