The Fijian government has moved to bolster the nation’s fuel security, activating powers under the Emergency Fuels Act and approving the creation of an Emergency Fuel Advisory Committee amid rising global uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict. Minister for Public Works and Transport Filipe Tuisawau told media on Tuesday that Cabinet had authorised the measures to ensure the country is prepared for any potential supply disruptions.
“This has already been approved, under the Emergency Fuels Act, the formation of the Emergency Fuel Advisory Committee,” Tuisawau said, adding the committee has begun meeting with other government agencies and has endorsed the drafting of regulations “to enable government to deal with the situation.” The minister said authorities are actively tracking domestic fuel stocks and schedules for incoming shipments as a central part of the response.
Officials are also working closely with fuel suppliers to establish the current on-island inventory and confirm timelines for deliveries, Tuisawau said. The government’s actions come as supply-chain anxiety grows internationally over shipping in key chokepoints and broader market volatility since the recent escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Pricing and tariff oversight will remain with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), Tuisawau emphasised. “FCCC is looking after the tariff, the pricing side in terms of fuel, depending of course on the world market situation,” he said. The FCCC has previously warned that Fiji, as a country that imports all of its fuel, is exposed to international price swings; earlier statements from the commission highlighted the speed with which global oil price increases can flow through to local pump prices because of the import-dependent pricing mechanism.
The Emergency Fuel Advisory Committee — approved by Cabinet — will bring together government agencies and stakeholders to advise on regulations and contingency steps, though the minister did not disclose the full membership or the detailed powers the committee will exercise. Officials said the committee’s immediate priorities include monitoring availability, identifying any shortfalls, and coordinating responses to preserve supply continuity.
Tuisawau promised regular public updates as the situation evolves. “As we progress in the next few days or few weeks, we will be updating the public on the situation,” he said, signalling an intent to keep consumers and businesses informed about both supply status and any price changes overseen by the FCCC.
The government’s move marks a shift from monitoring to proactive contingency planning, following earlier warnings by consumer watchdogs about potential domestic impacts from international disruptions. By formalising an advisory committee and drafting regulations under the Emergency Fuels Act, Fiji is seeking to strengthen readiness should regional instability translate into delayed shipments or sudden market-driven price spikes.
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