The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has defended the latest fuel price increases, saying it deliberately cushioned the impact on vulnerable households and businesses despite unprecedented volatility in global fuel markets.
In a statement issued following the June 2026 fuel price review, the regulator acknowledged growing concerns over rising fuel costs but said the increases were driven by international factors beyond Fiji’s control.
“The June 2026 adjustment reflects unprecedented volatility in international fuel markets over the past two months, driven by global forces beyond Fiji’s control,” the FCCC said.
The Commission said it had taken deliberate steps to shield consumers who rely most heavily on fuel products for daily living and economic activity.
“The products that vulnerable households, outer-island communities and maritime users depend on most were cushioned the most,” the regulator stated.
Under the new prices, kerosene increased by 14 cents per litre and premix by 29 cents, while petrol and diesel rose by around 80 cents per litre.
“As can be seen, kerosene rises by only 14 cents and premix by 29 cents per litre, while petrol and diesel rise by around 80 cents,” FCCC noted.
The Commission said it had spread fuel price adjustments across successive reviews to avoid passing the full impact of rising international costs onto consumers at once.
“FCCC phased the adjustment over successive reviews to avoid a sudden price shock, moderating over time rather than passing the impact of sharp international fuel cost increases through to consumers and businesses in a single adjustment.”
Despite those measures, the regulator acknowledged that fuel prices in Fiji have now reached record highs.
“Fuel prices in Fiji have now reached their highest recorded levels, driven by sustained increases in international refined fuel prices, freight costs and exchange rate movements.”
FCCC said the approach adopted by the regulator had also helped maintain fuel availability throughout the country during a period of significant disruption in international markets.
“This measured and progressive approach in our recent assessments also helped keep fuel supplies available throughout Fiji during a period of major international disruption, while balancing the interests of consumers, businesses and national fuel security.”
The Commission reiterated that fuel prices continue to be determined using established regulatory formulas based on the Means of Platts Singapore (MOPS) benchmark, foreign exchange movements and international freight rates.
“At this time, maintaining a continuous and sustainable fuel supply across Fiji remains a national priority,” FCCC said.
The regulator added that while some international indicators suggest fuel prices could ease in the future, market conditions remain highly uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical and economic developments worldwide.
