Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has blasted the recent fuel price increase as a “callous betrayal” of ordinary Fijians, calling on the Prime Minister or the Minister for Finance to step in and ease the burden on households and businesses. In a statement, Chaudhry said the hike came shortly after government assurances that prices would remain stable, and accused regulators of failing to provide a transparent justification for the change.
“This is not good enough,” Chaudhry said, adding that the decision by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) “is unjustified and lacks transparency.” He demanded an immediate review of the fuel tax structure so consumers can be given clear explanations for the rise, and urged authorities to use the powers available under the FCCC Act to reconsider the adjustment.
Chaudhry also questioned the timing of the increase, pointing to earlier comments by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad that had suggested price stability. He argued the hike looks as if it was designed to incentivise suppliers, shifting cash-flow burdens onto consumers to benefit large multinational fuel companies that control supply into Fiji.
To mitigate the impact, the Labour leader repeated policy proposals his party has previously advanced. He called for temporary reductions in fuel duty, immediate negotiations with suppliers to secure and stabilise fuel supplies, and measures to prevent shipping surcharges from being passed through to essential goods. Chaudhry also urged the government to ensure adequate fuel reserves to protect consumers from future volatility.
The statement portrays the price rise not only as an economic strain but as a governance and accountability issue. Chaudhry’s criticism focuses squarely on the FCCC’s decision-making and the government’s oversight, insisting consumers deserve transparency about the components of retail fuel pricing — from global oil movements to tax and margin settings.
“Enough is enough,” Chaudhry said, accusing the government of taking “the easy way out by passing the entire burden onto the consumer.” His call for urgent ministerial intervention raises the stakes for the coalition administration, which faces growing public concern over the cost-of-living impacts of higher fuel prices on transport, food and basic household expenditure.
The government and the FCCC have not yet publicly responded to Chaudhry’s statement. The Labour leader’s demands add to pressure on policymakers to explain the rationale behind the increase and to outline any immediate relief measures for affected Fijians.
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