The Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) and the MSME Council have welcomed Government’s decision to fully absorb the 22.5 per cent increase in bus fares and extend subsidies on the interim 5.91 cents fuel surcharge to eligible micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The two organisations say the measures will provide much-needed relief for small businesses already struggling with rising operating costs and economic pressures.
In a joint statement, WEBC and the MSME Council said public transport remains a vital service for workers, customers, suppliers and business owners, particularly those operating in the micro and small business sector.
They said Government’s move to absorb the bus fare increase would help prevent additional financial strain on ordinary Fijians while allowing businesses to continue operating with minimal disruption.
The organisations also acknowledged Government’s decision to expand the subsidy of the interim 5.91 cents fuel surcharge to all MSMEs with an annual gross income turnover of less than $30,000.
MSME Council chair Rakin Wahed said the support package would provide practical assistance to entrepreneurs facing mounting business costs.
“While this comes at a total value of approximately $6 million annually, this type of support will remove additional worries for entrepreneurs in the micro and small business sector, by helping them manage costs and maintain business continuity. It also supports broader economic activity by protecting household spending, business productivity and access to goods and services,” Wahed said.
The councils said many micro and small businesses operate on very tight margins and are highly vulnerable to increases in electricity, transport and other operational expenses.
WEBC chairman Jyoti Maharaj said women-owned businesses in particular would benefit from the targeted support.
“Many small businesses, especially women owned, are running lean, resilient businesses where every cost increase is felt immediately. The Government’s decision to extend the fuel surcharge subsidy to MSMEs and fully absorb the bus fare increase is a meaningful and timely intervention. It protects livelihoods and keeps businesses operational,” Maharaj said.
WEBC and the MSME Council commended Government for recognising the important contribution MSMEs make to Fiji’s economy, saying the interim measures would help sustain small businesses, protect livelihoods and support continued economic participation across the country.
