The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has reduced interim mechanical harvesting and sugarcane cartage rates following a decline in fuel prices, saying the changes are intended to better reflect current operating costs.
Mechanical harvesting rates have been reduced by 16.7 per cent, from $24.63 to $20.52 per tonne, while interim lorry cartage rates between Rakiraki and the Rarawai Sugar Mill have been cut by 14.5 per cent.
The FCCC said the cartage adjustment applies only to the Rakiraki-Rarawai route, which remains subject to price regulation under the Control of Prices for Sugar Cane Cartage Lorry Services from Rakiraki to Rarawai Order 2022.
FCCC Chief Executive Officer Senikavika Jiuta said the reductions were largely driven by falling fuel prices.
“As fuel costs have decreased, it is appropriate that the resulting savings are reflected in the regulated rates to ensure they remain aligned with actual operating costs.”
Ms Jiuta said the revised rates demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to maintaining fair, evidence-based and responsive pricing.
“This adjustment reflects FCCC’s commitment to maintaining fair, evidence-based and responsive pricing that protects the interests of growers while allowing service providers to recover reasonable costs.”
The Commission said it will continue monitoring global fuel prices, industry conditions and other operating costs and will make further regulatory adjustments where necessary.
Farmers and consumers have also been urged to report any instances of overcharging or unfair trading practices by mechanical harvester operators or sugarcane cartage providers to the FCCC.
