The Fiji Labour Party has strongly criticised the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) over its April fuel price determination, calling it “a classic exercise in bureaucratic deflection dressed up as technical rigour.”
Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the Commission’s decision to extend its usual one-month pricing window effectively passed global fuel cost volatility directly onto consumers.
“While the FCCC insists it did not simply pass on overseas cost volatility… this is precisely what they did,” Mr Chaudhry said.
He said sidelining the “least cost methodology” removed a key buffer that had traditionally protected households from sudden price spikes.
“The process must not be altered in the short term to advantage suppliers. The FCCC must represent the interests of the consumer, not the fuel companies,” he said.
The FLP pointed to sharp increases in April fuel prices, including a 71-cent rise in kerosene and a 49-cent increase in unleaded petrol, describing the impact as immediate and severe.
“This unjustified action… is akin to cheating the consumer,” Mr Chaudhry said.
He also questioned the necessity of the adjustment, noting earlier assurances from Government that fuel supplies were secure.
“It has caused an undue burden on households and businesses… and negatively impacted the economy,” he added.
Mr Chaudhry called on the Prime Minister or the Minister for Finance to intervene under Section 40 of the FCCC Act.
“Labour will continue to demand real accountability and immediate measures to protect households,” he said.
