The Fiji Labour Party says the Government’s recently announced relief package falls short of addressing rising living costs, calling instead for a suspension or reduction of fuel tax to provide broader economic relief.
Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said while the package was welcome, it targeted only selected sectors and would not ease overall cost pressures.
“The suspension of the fuel tax as recommended by Labour all along was sensible as it would have impacted the entire economy,” he said.
“It would have been transparent and equitable, not selective as with the current package.”
Mr Chaudhry argued that limiting relief to bus commuters and some electricity consumers ignored the wider impact of fuel costs on households and businesses.
“For instance, there is no relief for those who travel to work by private transport. The cost of manufacturing will go up because of higher fuel prices, cost of market produce and other essentials will rise as a result of higher cartage costs. Taxi operators will get no relief,” he said.
He warned that these pressures would continue to drive up costs across the economy.
Mr Chaudhry also said the 50 per cent increase in social welfare payments should be made permanent, noting that existing rates remain below the poverty threshold.
Mr Chaudhry noted that fuel tax currently stands at 20 cents per litre for diesel and 46 cents per litre for unleaded petrol, warning that prices are expected to rise again at the pump on May 1.
