The National Federation Party (NFP) has firmly opposed the recently proposed electricity tariff increase, asserting that there is no justification for raising power costs for residential, commercial, or industrial consumers. In a public statement, NFP President Parmod Chand urged the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) and Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) to withdraw the proposal in order to address public concern and maintain national interests.
Chand emphasized that the increase in electricity tariffs is unnecessary, arguing that the withdrawal of the proposal is essential to eliminate the uncertainty and controversy surrounding it. He criticized the way the proposal was made public, labeling it as unjust and secretive. The tariff increase, which followed a submission from EFL in May 2025 and received approval from the FCCC, has faced significant public backlash. Chand described the process as a “catastrophic disaster,” highlighting a lack of proper public consultation.
He also expressed skepticism regarding the FCCC’s current public consultation efforts, describing them as controversial and lacking authenticity. Chand challenged EFL’s claim that the proposed increase would not impact 99,000 residential consumers, calling it illogical. He pointed out that increased costs for commercial customers would ultimately lead to higher prices for goods and services, affecting all consumers.
The proposed tariff hike could potentially undo progress made in curbing inflation, which remained at historically low levels in 2025. Chand’s main objective is clear: to protect Fijians from unfair tariff hikes while also safeguarding the business community and promoting investment. The coalition government has previously introduced several cost-of-living initiatives in its past budgets, including electricity subsidies for low-income households using 100 kilowatt-hours or less each month.
While he acknowledged the importance of investing in energy security and sustainability, Chand stressed that such investments must be balanced with social and economic consequences. He urged EFL and the FCCC to carefully consider the broader impact on households, businesses, and the overall economy, reiterating the call for the proposal to be withdrawn in the national interest. The ongoing dialogue around these tariff increases reflects a commitment to addressing the concerns of Fijians while ensuring that any changes support the community’s needs.
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