THERE is sufficient supply of cement in Fiji to meet local demand until major cement manufacturer Pacific Cement Limited (PCL) resumes full operations.
This is the assurance from the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) despite the temporary suspension of operations at one of Fiji’s major cement manufacturers Pacific Cement Limited (PCL).
PCL has temporarily ceased production since March this year after experiencing a mill breakdown on March 12, and was expected to remain out of operations for two to three months.
PCL’s parent company Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) had said existing cement stock was being carefully managed and rationed, and that it would be importing cement to meet key customers’ essential needs.
FCCC chief executive officer Senikavika Jiuta said they were working closely with both suppliers – PCL and Tengy Cement – to ensure the supply remained stable.
She said they continued to actively monitor the cement supply chain across the country.
“Consumers can be confident that their needs will be met, and we will not tolerate any unfair practices that seek to exploit this situation,” Ms Jiuta said in a statement.
“We understand how important this commodity is for everyday Fijians, and in line with our oversight of key sectors, we will be monitoring this essential component for construction.”
FCCC regulates the ex-factory, wholesale, and retail prices of Portland and Blended Cement, according to Section 39 of the FCCC Act 2010.
It has been closely monitoring the situation after Pacific Cement informed FCCC on March 21 this year that its mill had suffered mechanical damage.
Repair works are underway and are expected to be completed by May 27.
Ms Jiuta said FCCC had engaged with both cement suppliers and conducted a comprehensive market study.
She said the study included a 15-month analysis of sales, production, and demand trends, and production capacity assessments.
“It has been concluded that there is sufficient supply of cement in Fiji to meet local demand until Pacific Cement resumes full operations. Tengy Cement has proactively ramped up its production at both its Suva and Lautoka mills, moving from one shift to two shifts per day to bridge the gap in supply,” Ms Jiuta said.
“FCCC reiterates that there is no need for concern regarding cement shortages, and any opportunistic practices such as unjustified price increases will be met with strict enforcement actions.”
She urged traders to continue pricing responsibly and reminded consumers to report any instances of suspected price gouging.
Picture: FCCC
