The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has welcomed the recent appointment of a fuel controller, a Fuel Advisory Committee and a Cabinet Sub-committee for energy saying it has come at a critical time for the public, workers and businesses.
“We support this initiative, and hope that there will be greater information sharing, consultations, and coordination with the private sector, to optimise positive outcomes at this time of heightened uncertainty”, FCEF chief executive officer Edward Bernard said in a statement.
In the last few weeks, fuel security has become a priority business challenge across all industries, including for micro and small enterprises.
He said it was therefore imperative to ensure that effective national measures were implemented and it supported reliability of fuel supply, stability of fuel prices and certainty for businesses.
Mr Bernard said the national measures that would be put in place by the Fuel Controller, the Fuel Advisory Committee, and the Cabinet Sub-Committee should comprehensively address sourcing fuel from the best markets, efficiently prioritising distribution based on needs, and planning for possible further escalation of both fuel supply and fuel prices.
“It is also critical to acknowledge that we are still within our cyclone season. Therefore, the private sector wants to see decisions that provide confidence and stability.”
Mr Bernard said FCEF would continue to engage with businesses to provide guidance on the continuity of industry and business operations, while at the same time clearly articulate their priorities to Government.
Meanwhile, LPG supplier Fiji Gas has assured the public there were currently no issues with the supply of liquefied petroleum gas to Fiji.
The company management stated while it was closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East and its impact on global energy markets, it said LPG supply remained secure.
“Our terminals in Lami, Lautoka, Sigatoka, Labasa and Savusavu are well stocked and re-supply remains on schedule,” the company stated.
It said cylinder deliveries and bulk supplies would continue as scheduled.
