Battle for public confidence
Sunday afternoon brought nightmares for vehicle owners as they had to digest the news of the increase in fuel prices. By the evening commuters had lined up service stations and there was a rush for fuel. Some used gallons to fill fuel and stock up reserves for the rainy days ahead. On the mainland, motor spirit, premix, kerosene and diesel increased by 80 cents, 29 cents, 14 cents and 76 cents, respectively. Fijians are seeking assistance as they have been badly affected by the rise which is creating negative vibes as well on social media. The Editor-in-chief Fred Wesley coined a wonderful editorial titled ‘Battle for public confidence’ (FT: 02/06). He hit the nail with these lines, “The rise in fuel prices and the increasing cost of goods could force our political leaders to confront one of the most powerful influences on voter sentiment. When fuel costs rise sharply and prices increase across the board, families naturally expect answers from those entrusted with leading the country.” I must say, a brave and bold editorial, Wesley! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Price comparisons
A few days ago, FCCC published data on Facebook showing a comparison of fuel prices with six other countries in the Pacific, with New Zealand being the highest in Petrol reportedly at $F4.47, while Vanuatu leads the Diesel price at $F4.74. Placing Fiji between Australia and New Zealand is a huge blunder. So many economic realities have been ignored and this is not the first time FCCC has done this. The first mistake was to compare electricity tariff prices with other countries. Though one litre of fuel may cost more in New Zealand, the average New Zealander also earns significantly more than the average Fijian. The minimum wage rate in New Zealand is $NZ23.95, that is about $31.17 in Fijian dollars! This is a statutory wage rate. What about us? Ours is only $F5.00. How do you expect an average Fijian, who is on minimum wage rate, to run a family? If FCCC is in fact serious about data publication, then I challenge FCCC to publish data on wage rates (in FJD) with the same countries you compared the fuel prices with. This will show what you have been missing all this while and what you have been doing wrong. Just so to let you know, FCCC’s mandate is not to protect any single business interests and nor to justify price outcomes. It exists simply to promote a fair market and protect consumers. We are not interested in being told that people elsewhere are paying more. What we want to know is whether prices in Fiji are fair. We want to know whether markets are operating competitively. What we also want to know is whether institutions like FCCC and Consumer Council, who are charged with protecting the consumers genuinely understand the pressures we face? Maybe, just maybe, instead of asking how Fiji compares with wealthier economies, ask whether a worker earning FJD5.00 an hour can really afford the goods and services necessary to live with dignity. This is the comparison that truly matters and not data that is presented through mediocrity. The approach undertaken by public sectors in Fiji when it comes to presenting and publishing data is superficial and I genuinely can’t place my trust in it. Kartik Krishneel Makoi, Nasinu
Fuel, party and poll
The People’s Alliance president Ratu Josefa Dimuri has been honest with his take on the current fuel price situation and the upcoming national polls. How ruling parties behave and conduct national business during national crisis situations goes a long way in somewhat influencing poll results. People do react. The last major crisis we had was COVID-19, which lasted from early 2020 to around 2022 or thereabouts. There’s something to ponder about. The ruling party at the time emerged with the highest number of votes in the 2022 GE, fresh out of COVID! So, Ratu, fuel pains may not have any bearing on the polls after all! The proof is in the pudding, sorry, 2022 GE! Of course I could spin it in many other ways as well! The above could well be a PhD thesis for students of politics. And, this is not a politically motivated letter. Donald Singh Nausori
PALM challenges
The recent case of a former PALM Scheme worker found living under a Sydney bridge should trouble all Australians. This man left behind his wife and four children in Fiji, drawn by the promise of honest work and a better future. Instead, personal hardship led to disengagement from his employer, and with that, the loss of everything the scheme provides: housing, income, welfare support, and community. His story is not unique. Others from Fiji, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste were found in the same circumstances. These are workers who travelled thousands of kilometers, leaving behind every support network they had, only to find that when things go wrong, the safety net dissolves almost immediately. The PALM Scheme delivers real benefits, for workers, their families, and Australian industries, but disengagement leaves participants catastrophically exposed. Losing a passport, stable accommodation, and consistent income in a foreign country is not a personal failing; it is a systemic gap that demands attention. Employers, community organisation, and Government must invest in early intervention mechanisms before workers reach crisis point. A scheme that recruits people from the Pacific carries a duty of care that does not end the moment someone walks off the job. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca, Tamavua
Korean Airlines
Travelling to Europe through Seoul on Korean Airlines was once the best route to fly when travelling to Europe. Stopping overnight in Seoul was the attraction which I believe Fiji Airways cannot compete with. Dan Urai Lautoka
Face reality
The Fiji Times news on the rising cost of living (FT24/5) should alert us to budget our needs, prioritising our basic needs to survive. We all should have a plan to budget. Don’t give people what they want, give them what they need most. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Praising 7s rugby
The Fiji Times writer was full praising both the women’s and men’s 7s teams at the Valladolid tournament 2026. Little did we know that their next game and the next, we ain’t read superlatives of hopelessness in our quest to get through Australia. But only to kiss 4th place against Argentina. Still on rugby, the 32 players named for the Summer tour up North; Wales, England and Scotland, few players have gone past their use-by dates. I rest my case. Jioji O. Toronibau Labasa
Still unclear
While we know that fuel support has been received from our good neighbour, it is still unclear if that has already been utilised. All we have been told is that Government is providing subsidies. Until it normalises (if ever in relation to the price), it would also be interesting to know how much fuel tax revenue is generated from April onwards in comparison to the same periods in the previous year. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Our life
Our very existence on this planet (Earth) is guided by the Man above, who knows our plans, desires, hopes, faith, belief, status, mindset, knowledge, health etc. The body that we carry and live in today will one day be taken back by him so as an individual look after that body well as it does not belong to us. Whatever good or bad you do with that body, you are tampering with the creation of God so always think before you react. We as living beings are to continuously give thanks to Him in whatever situation we encounter on this planet as he is good and his love for us endures forever. God is good all the time. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Reduce fuel duty
Government should heed Dialogue Fiji director, Nikesh Lal’s call to reduce fuel duties to provide some relief to the general public. He has provided necessary statistics as well. The Modi Government so far has increased fuel prices by 8 rupees and reduced fuel duties by 10 rupees. Indian economists approve of Modi’s actions. They say fuel price increases have a cascading effect. It leads to price increases in building materials, food costs, clothing etc. etc. They also add that fuel price increases will cause shortages, slow economic activity due to lack of demand. Our Coalition Government should look at the long-term economic stability. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Great news
It was great news that none of the Government members tested positive for the drug test they all took voluntarily. I thought they would make the good news announcement with a lot of salusalu, kalavata and keke, but perhaps things are changing in this respect due to the cost of living. Are there any tests available to check if government members sleep around? On second thoughts, that does not matter because sleeping around is not illegal anyway. But if such a test were to happen, I am confident that all the members would come out clean, because we all know that the members of government are a godsend and that is why I keep saying, the people of Fiji are truly blessed as we all can see. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
FNPF saga
OPPOSITION MP Faiyaz Koya has called for a full parliamentary inquiry into the Fiji National Provident Fund’s controversial Westin Denarau redevelopment project, warning that a reported cost blowout exceeding $200 million raises serious ethical and legal concerns. How about he shows concern on those pensions being snatched away from many pensioners during the time of the previous administration. How about he helps restore that trust with what those pensioners deserve as it’s their own savings. I haven’t heard his concerns on that very important matter. He has problems when the previous regime is being dragged and blamed. How about he helps fix this issue and give people less chance to complain about the previous government. Since he is going so hard on FNPF now, how about help restore what happened when they held power. Many fingers are being raised at FNPF but is it all to be blamed only on this administration? Next time Mr Koya, when you sit with your glass of whatever you consume, please do give this some thought. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Israeli Embassy
Fiji’s Israel Embassy is soon to materialise (FT 29/5/26). The State of Israel will be establishing its resident embassy here in Suva. This should be a significant advantage in regards to agricultural, water management and security systems, in my view. Israel doesn’t only have very advanced distinct technologies for all of these, I am certain, it has practically proved the realities from within its own borders and beyond. As agriculture is only 8% of Fiji’s GDP and with the availability of excessive agricultural land, Israel’s highly innovative agricultural technologies should immensely boost the sector, in my opinion. Furthermore, with a population of 8 million+ that has never experienced water carting as Fiji usually does, I believe, Israel’s water management expertise will make the difference. Even for the best border security technology as well. In fact, Fiji has been hand delivered right at its doorstep, I am certain, with such a globally recognised and proven expertise. Let us not waste the opportunity by exterminating the “complacency virus”, in my opinion. The Bible views complacency as a dangerous spiritual trap of pride, laziness and self-sufficiency. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
