“Responsible fuel usage is not just a personal choice, it is a national obligation.”
That is the message from Senikavika Jiuta, CEO of Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) as it urged Fijians to avoid panic buying and hoarding fuel amid rising global tensions affecting energy supplies.
FCCC said the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with tanker traffic through the critical shipping route dropping by 70 to 80 percent since the conflict escalated. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also confirmed that the strait has been closed to commercial shipping.
The development has already pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude reaching around USD $92 per barrel, compared with $73 before the conflict began in late February 2026.
Jiuta said Fiji remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for transport and electricity generation, making responsible usage essential.
“Please do not hoard or stockpile fuel. Hoarding does not protect you and ultimately harms everyone, including yourself,” she said.
She warned that panic buying creates artificial shortages by draining service stations faster than supply can be replenished.
“Panic buying is socially irresponsible and undermines the fair distribution of a vital resource for every Fijian consumer,” Jiuta said.
The FCCC confirmed that fuel stocks in Fiji remain stable, with additional shipments already scheduled to arrive. However, global shipping disruptions could lead to delays in replacement fuel deliveries.
To ensure fairness in the market, the commission has carried out 151 inspections across the Central, Western and Northern divisions, confirming that fuel and LPG traders are complying with regulated prices.
Jiuta also warned that hoarding is a breach of the FCCC Act 2010, and traders attempting to exploit the situation through stockpiling or overcharging will face strict enforcement action.
She urged households and businesses to take practical steps to conserve fuel, including combining trips, using public transport where possible and reducing non-essential travel.
“Every litre saved today helps ensure supply lasts longer and supports families, businesses and essential services across the country,” Jiuta said.
