Sawmillers in Labasa believe they are losing out while trucking and shipping companies profit from high timber transport costs.
Businessman Mukdar Ali said about 80 per cent of mahogany harvested in Labasa was still being sent to Suva, leaving local businesses with little benefit.
“Fiji Hardwood Corporation pays $70 per cubic metre just for transport to Suva, but only the trucking and shipping companies are benefiting,” Mr Ali said.
He said sawmillers in the North had been pushing for better prices for almost 20 years.
“We, as sawmillers, are not getting fair treatment in this market,” he added.
Mr Ali told a talanoa session that extra costs make it hard for small players to survive.
“If they can pay $70 per cubic metre to take the timber to Suva, there are four or five sawmillers here that could get more work done and use our plantations,” he said.
Mr Ali said a better system was needed to support small businesses on Vanua Levu.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said he would raise the issue with the relevant ministry and stakeholders.
