The National Federation Party (NFP) has strongly opposed the proposed electricity tariff increase, saying there is no justification for raising power costs for residential, commercial or industrial consumers.
In a statement, NFP President Parmod Chand said the party has formally made its position known to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), urging both the FCCC and Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) to withdraw the proposal in the national interest.
“There is no need whatsoever to increase electricity tariffs,” Chand said.
“The withdrawal of the proposal is the only logical solution to end the uncertainty and controversy caused by what the vast majority rightly believe to be the unjust and secretive manner in which it was made public.”
The proposed tariff increase, which followed a submission by EFL in May 2025 and was approved by the FCCC, has drawn widespread public criticism. Chand described the rollout as a “catastrophic disaster”, saying it was done without proper public consultation.
“Even the so-called public consultations now being carried out by the FCCC have been controversial, with many claiming they are not genuine,” he said.
Chand also rejected EFL’s assertion that 99,000 residential consumers would not be affected by the increase.
“That argument is illogical,” he said.
“The massive increase proposed for commercial customers will inevitably raise the prices of goods and services as businesses try to recover costs. Ultimately, it is the people who will pay.”
He warned that the proposed increase could reverse gains made in reducing inflation, which remained at record low levels in 2025.
“The primary objective must always be to protect Fijians from unfair tariff hikes and to safeguard our business community while encouraging investment,” Chand said.
He noted that the coalition government has introduced several cost-of-living measures in the last three budgets, including electricity subsidies for low-income households consuming 100 kilowatt-hours or less per month.
While acknowledging the importance of investment in energy security and sustainability, Chand said this must be balanced against social and economic impacts.
“We strongly encourage EFL and the FCCC to carefully consider the impact on households, businesses and the wider economy,” he said.
“In the national interest, this proposal must be withdrawn.”
