LAUTOKA Cane Producers Association chairman Bala Dass has welcomed the recent approved increase in cane harvesting and lorry cartage rates announced by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC).
Mr Dass said this would ease the financial burden on operators who have had to financial manage the impact of the recent fuel price hike.
“The rate announced by the FCCC today is very fair as far as harvesters are concerned, we are also paid fuel subsidy and the increase in rate is a good decision,” he said.
“We will start harvesting as soon as possible, all machines are ready to harvest.”
In a statement the FCCC confirmed mechanical harvesting rate increased by 30.3 per cent going up from $18.90 to $24.63 per tonne which is an increase of $5.73 per tonne.
For sugarcane lorry cartage rates, there was a temporary increase of 25.4 per cent.
The FCCC said the approved increases mean that harvesting operators and lorry drivers will be paid more per tonne of sugarcane, ensuring they can continue to operate despite the fuel spike.
“To provide clarity on the regulated services, the mechanical harvester rates apply to services provided by mechanical machinery used to cut and harvest sugar cane in the field, whereas the lorry cartage rates are applied to lorry/truck services responsible for transporting harvested sugar cane from Rakiraki to Rarawai,” the statement said.
The adjustments are effective from June 23 and are intended to ensure the continued availability of critical harvesting and transportation services during the 2026 crushing season, while the government moves to cushion the impact on cane growers through a temporary subsidy arrangement.
“These interim measures are intended to support sugar cane harvesting and transportation operators and ensure sustainability of the sugar industry during this period of global fuel price volatility.”
The FCCC confirmed it will continue to monitor fuel markets and industry conditions in collaboration with members of the Fuel Monitoring Taskforce.
“We will ensure prompt action to protect both industry stability and consumers. The taskforce will be on the ground to ensure compliance and prevent any misuse of the situation to the detriment of Fijian consumers.”
