The Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Fiji has criticized the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) for claiming that 52 percent of domestic electricity users will experience “no increase” under the new tiered tariff system scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026. The Leader of the Opposition labeled this assertion a “calculated economic illusion,” arguing that the overall economic impact of rising electricity prices will still be felt by households.
The Opposition pointed out that while families might not see immediate increases in their electricity bills, they will inevitably face rising costs for essential goods. The Leader of the Opposition highlighted that commercial users, such as supermarkets and food processors, will shoulder a three-cent per unit increase. This cost escalation, he noted, would be transferred directly to consumers, making everyday necessities like bread, rice, and canned fish more expensive.
Residents in Fiji’s Northern and Maritime divisions are expected to bear the brunt of these changes, as the new tariffs will add to existing challenges such as high freight and logistics costs. The Opposition expressed concern that these combined factors would drive up living expenses and deter investment outside of the capital, Suva.
Furthermore, the consultation process for the tariff hike has come under scrutiny, with the Opposition claiming that the voices of ordinary Fijians and small businesses are being overlooked in favor of Energy Fiji Limited’s (EFL) financial ambitions. Consequently, they are calling for an immediate cessation of the tariff increase, a comprehensive social impact audit, and measures to ensure that retailers do not exploit electricity cost increases to raise their prices on basic goods.
The Leader of the Opposition emphasized that Fijians should not have to bear a heavier financial burden, particularly as EFL’s transition to renewable energy appears to be slow and excessively reliant on borrowing. He contended that the promise of a “zero-increase” is meaningless if it leads to higher overall living costs, arguing that system reliability is of little use if families cannot afford to meet their basic needs.
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