THE Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) has called for urgent Government intervention to address a growing fuel and shipping crisis on Taveuni.
According to the FHTA, the disruption threatens local communities, households, and tourism operators on the island, where, despite hotels operating near full occupancy, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to secure fuel.
The FHTA says fuel is essential for generating electricity, water supplies, transport, and emergency backup systems.
FHTA chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington said while FHTA supported the safety standards enforced by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, it urged regulators to cooperate with the Government to find practical solutions.
Ms Lockington stated that the primary objective must be maintaining safe, reliable maritime services to deliver essential supplies rather than simply stopping vessels from operating.
The association called on Government to immediately convene regulators, relevant agencies, and shipping operators to restore confidence in the maritime supply chain.
It said Taveuni could not operate indefinitely without dependable access to food, freight, and fuel.
