Recovery from Fiji’s fuel crisis will be prolonged unless Government moves quickly to support businesses, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has warned.
FCEF chief executive Edward Bernard said members had already started implementing contingency work arrangements, including working from home, reduced operational hours, and scaled-back staffing — drawing on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Businesses have started to activate their business continuity plans and have started to plan out what their pre-planned action will be to any changes in situation,” Mr Bernard said.
But he cautioned that the measures would not be enough on their own.
“Businesses are already trying to mitigate against the high cost of doing business, skills gaps and low productivity.
“The measures will not be adequate and therefore, recovery will be prolonged.
“Government needs to prepare for not only the current situation but also how it will support businesses recover faster and stronger.”
Mr Bernard identified micro and small businesses as the most vulnerable, with some already cutting back operations.
He said manufacturing companies supplying food and essential services, along with commodity extractors such as gold miners employing large portions of the labour force, should be prioritised.
On the prospect of a severe fuel decline, he did not mince words.
“Severe decline of fuel levels will mean an escalation of businesses work modalities. It may so be that keeping businesses open may incur more cost and this is when the difficult decisions need to be made.”
He welcomed the recently announced ceasefire that has allowed the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, urging Fiji to move decisively.
“We need to capitalise on ensuring we are able to stock up on as much fuel as possible but at the same time efficiently use our current and incoming stock.”
