The Fiji Government has introduced a phased Fuel Emergency Plan as global disruptions to key fuel supply routes tighten oil availability and push up international prices, prompting calls from the private sector for businesses to activate Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) now. The new framework sets out four phases tied to national fuel stock levels and prescribes escalating conservation and management measures as supplies decline.
Under the plan, Phase 1 — Conservation — is the current status while national fuel stocks remain above 50 per cent. The government is urging behaviour changes aimed at reducing consumption, including promoting carpooling, greater use of public transport and limiting non‑essential travel. Phase 2, Stronger Conservation, would be triggered at 40–50 per cent stock and could include reduced travel and adjustments to work and school schedules. Phase 3, Fuel Rationing, at 30–40 per cent stock would introduce controlled access to fuel such as purchase limits, designated refuelling days and reduced business hours. Phase 4, Emergency Management, would come into effect when stocks fall below 20 per cent, prioritising fuel for essential services and imposing strict usage restrictions.
The tightened global market has already fed through to higher domestic fuel and diesel prices, with transport, production and supply chains feeling the strain, particularly for businesses operating on narrow margins. In response, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) is urging members to immediately activate or refresh their BCPs. Practical measures recommended include planning for ongoing fuel and transport cost increases, reviewing supplier dependencies and logistics routes, tighter inventory management, and scenario planning that considers reduced hours or supply interruptions.
FCEF manager for Advocacy & Corporate Communication Gaylene Kamali said the private sector is aligning its responses with the government’s conservation phase while pressing for supportive policy actions. The federation is preparing a formal submission to the government’s Fuel Committee calling for clear and timely communication on supply and pricing, inclusion of private sector voices in regulatory decisions, and targeted support for critical sectors such as manufacturing, transport, agriculture and micro, small and medium enterprises.
FCEF has outlined three core response areas: policy engagement to influence practical, business‑sensitive measures; industry engagement to assess the impact on fuel‑intensive sectors — including mining — and employment; and coordination with government and partners to ensure conservation measures are feasible for businesses. The federation also highlighted operational steps already being taken across the private sector, including consolidating trips, encouraging carpooling, revising delivery schedules and considering flexible work arrangements, staggered shifts or temporary operating hour reductions if conditions worsen.
Officials and business groups are also stressing the importance of cyclone preparedness as the country remains in cyclone season. Beyond fuel management, businesses are being advised to ensure inventory and asset records are current and properly documented — documentation that is critical for insurance claims and access to recovery financing should a storm or other shock occur. Earlier reporting on business resilience in Fiji has highlighted chronic under‑insurance among firms, underscoring the risk that poor documentation and lack of coverage present to rapid recovery.
The new Fuel Emergency Plan provides a public roadmap for how authorities expect the situation to evolve; its activation has shifted the conversation from ad‑hoc conservation to coordinated national measures. For now, the government’s move to codify phases and the FCEF’s simultaneous push for policy input and business readiness mark the latest development in efforts to shield Fiji’s economy from a tightening global fuel market.
Leave a comment