Opposition MP Premila Kumar has called on the Coalition Government to review fuel taxes following the latest increase in fuel prices, questioning both the timing and justification of the adjustment.
In a statement, Ms Kumar said the increase announced by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) was “unacceptable” and raised serious concerns.
She pointed to the FCCC’s pricing mechanism, which uses a one-month lag, meaning April fuel prices should be based on international market conditions and exchange rates from February.
“The ongoing conflict in Iran only began in mid-March and therefore it cannot be used to justify April’s exorbitant price hike,” Ms Kumar said.
She also noted earlier assurances by Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel that fuel prices would remain stable until at least May.
“Families and businesses are already under pressure from high living costs. What is the government doing to provide relief?” she questioned.
Ms Kumar highlighted that other countries, including Australia, had reduced fuel taxes to cushion consumers from rising global prices.
She asked whether the Government would consider reviewing current fuel taxes — set at 20 cents per litre on diesel and 46 cents on unleaded — to help lower costs for consumers.
