Opposition MP Jone Usamate has accused the Government of failing to protect consumers and businesses from record fuel prices, saying ministers lacked the political will to provide meaningful relief during the ongoing fuel crisis.
In a statement, Usamate said he was disappointed the Government had not moved to remove fuel taxes despite the sharp increase in fuel costs.
“I am shocked. I genuinely expected the Government to finally act like a responsible administration and do something positive to keep our economy flowing,” Usamate said.
“Instead, they stood by and watched fuel prices explode, proving they completely lack the political will to protect the public.”
He argued that a complete removal of fuel taxes would have provided immediate relief to households and industries struggling with rising costs.
“A simple, decisive move like completely removing the fuel tax right now would have given our people and our industries a vital buffer to survive this massive cost jump.”
Usamate warned that the latest increase in diesel prices would have far-reaching consequences throughout the economy, particularly for transport, manufacturing and agriculture.
“By refusing to step in, the Government is letting a massive fuel shock choke the life out of the national economy.”
He noted that diesel prices were approaching $5 a litre and exceeding that level in some maritime and outer-island communities.
The Opposition MP said the timing was particularly concerning for cane farmers preparing for the harvesting season.
“This is hitting at the worst possible time as thousands of families are about to start harvesting their cane. With the money allocated by the Fiji Sugar Corporation, these farmers will not even be able to cover their basic operational costs under these crushing new fuel rates.”
Usamate said higher diesel costs would inevitably be passed through the economy, pushing up prices for consumers.
“When you hit diesel, you hit every truck, every shipping vessel, and every manufacturer, triggering a domino effect of price pass-throughs that forces supermarkets and hardware stores to raise prices just to stay alive.”
He also questioned the effectiveness of Government subsidies aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.
“You cannot fight inflation by handing out minor travel subsidies with one hand while letting record-breaking fuel increases crush the entire economic foundation with the other.”
Usamate said inflationary pressures would remain unless Government addressed fuel taxation.
“Until this administration addresses the real issue and removes the tax burden from the fuel driving our economy, inflation will continue to climb, and ordinary households will continue to face the squeeze.”
