In the latest development, the Consumer Council has urged Fijians and businesses to stop bulk-buying and hoarding fuel, warning that the behaviour is creating an artificial shortage and heightening safety risks across communities. Council chief executive Seema Shandil said stockpiling drains local reserves faster than supply chains can replenish, leaving ordinary buyers without access and risking market instability.
“Supply is sufficient, but hoarding leaves shelves empty and causes hardship,” Shandil said, drawing a parallel with the panic buying of toilet paper, sugar and salt during the COVID-19 pandemic. She warned that when consumers and businesses accumulate large volumes of petrol or diesel beyond normal needs, it produces a false impression of scarcity that can trigger further runs on supplies.
Beyond the economic impact, the Consumer Council flagged a serious public-safety concern. Storing large amounts of fuel at home or in unsafe spaces significantly increases the risk of fire, the council said. The warning follows recent fire-safety alerts from the National Fire Authority after incidents in which stored fuels and combustible materials accelerated blazes and hampered escape routes, most notably a fatal house fire in Nadi that prompted renewed calls for caution.
Shandil urged households and companies to limit purchases to what they actually need so that fuel is available to all consumers and to avoid creating pressure on the distribution system. “Buying only what you need ensures fair access for everyone and helps prevent unnecessary market disruption,” she said.
The Council also asked the public to be vigilant for unfair trade practices such as price gouging or deliberate resale of bulk-purchased fuel at inflated prices. Anyone who witnesses suspected unfair trading can report it directly to the Consumer Council on the toll-free number 155.
Industry observers note that while Fiji imports most of its refined fuels and supply chains can be disrupted by shipping delays or seasonal demand spikes, the immediate driver of empty forecourts in many localities is often panic-led buying rather than an actual shortfall at refineries or ports. The Council’s intervention is intended to head off shortages by changing consumer behaviour before logistical problems emerge.
The appeal comes as authorities continue to monitor both market conditions and safety risks linked to improvised fuel storage. Consumers are being reminded to follow safe storage guidelines — including keeping fuel in approved containers, storing containers in well-ventilated areas away from living spaces and ignition sources, and observing local regulations — to reduce the likelihood of fires and related injuries.
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