The Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, has pushed back against claims by the Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, that Government’s decision to defer the electricity tariff rollout and launch a 21-day public consultation is “political theatre.”
Instead, he insists the move is a deliberate effort to give Fijians a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods.
Immanuel said the temporary suspension is not about politics or optics, but about ensuring fairness and transparency in the tariff process.
“This process is not a staged response. It is a responsible governance decision to allow further technical review, deeper community engagement and a thorough assessment of data and impacts. That is what good leadership requires,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) remains independent in tariff determinations — a framework introduced under the previous administration.
Government’s decision, he added, is meant to support public confidence, not interfere with regulation.
“It really sounds like the Leader of Opposition does not support further consultations on the proposed EFL tariffs,” Immanuel said.
“At a time when families and businesses want clarity and voice in this process, we should all be encouraging participation, not criticising it.”
He stressed that Cabinet had been fully briefed and that the review was intentional, designed to enhance due diligence rather than respond to political pressure.
Immanuel also dismissed insinuations about FCCC’s capability or independence.
“We welcome scrutiny, constructive debate and robust submissions. What we do not support is creating doubt for the sake of political points. The consultation process will be transparent, open and substantive — not a ‘box-ticking exercise’,” he said.
The Minister encouraged households, businesses and community organisations to take part in the consultation, saying decisions on electricity tariffs must be grounded in evidence, affordability and public trust.
