Public service vehicle operators seeking financial assistance to offset rising fuel costs will need to formally submit their cases through the appropriate channels, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says.
Mr Rabuka said requests for support from operators, including taxi, carrier and rural transport providers, would be subject to a government assessment process before a decision could be made.
“This will need to be considered by the financial subcommittee of Cabinet,” he said.
Submissions would be reviewed before recommendations are presented to Government.
“All of those will come through the proper system, and then Government will decide what is necessary.”
Mr Rabuka made the comments amid growing calls from public service vehicle operators for fare rebates or other forms of assistance as fuel prices continue to rise.
He said any support measures would need to be weighed against the country’s financial capacity and broader economic priorities.
“We will look at what is affordable and what is fair.”
He acknowledged the impact of rising fuel costs on transport operators.
“We know fuel costs are affecting everyone, especially operators who rely on daily movement of goods and passengers.”
Fiji continues to face global fuel price pressures, which have pushed up transport costs and contributed to higher prices for goods and services across the country.
Rural transport providers and taxi operators have increasingly voiced concerns that escalating operating costs are making it more difficult to maintain services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
