Fiji fuel retailers urge motorists to buy only what they need to prevent shortages

The Fiji Fuel Retailers Association (FFRA) has appealed to motorists to remain calm and refrain from panic buying, warning that unnecessary stockpiling of fuel could create shortages, disrupt essential services and pose serious safety risks for households and communities. In a statement, the association said speculative buying could turn “a manageable situation into a real shortage” by placing undue pressure on already stretched supply lines.

“Stockpiling will lead to an artificial crisis, potentially turning a manageable situation into a real shortage,” the FFRA said, urging customers to resist buying more than they normally need. The association warned a sudden surge in demand would overwhelm the logistical capacity to transport and replenish fuel at individual service stations, producing localised shortages even if national supplies remain adequate.

FFRA said fuel hoarding could prevent critical sectors from accessing the fuel they require for essential operations. While the association did not name specific services, it warned that disruptions to scheduled deliveries and station replenishments could have knock-on effects for businesses and organisations that rely on timely fuel access.

Beyond supply-chain concerns, the FFRA cautioned against the dangers of storing fuel at home. “Improper storage of fuel can significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion, creating safety risks for households and communities,” the statement said, highlighting that household hoarding not only strains supplies but also raises acute public safety hazards.

To manage supply effectively and reduce the risk of disruption, the association encouraged motorists to purchase only what they normally need. “Please only take what you normally need, as this will extend our collective supply and better position us to handle any potential disruptions,” the FFRA advised, reiterating the need for restraint while supply chains remain fragile.

The warning is the latest message from retailers aimed at preventing avoidable shortages caused by consumer behaviour. The FFRA framed the appeal as a preventive step to maintain steady access to fuel across Fiji and to avoid creating an “artificial crisis” that could be averted through calm, measured purchasing.