The Fijian government is expressing its concerns over a proposed electricity tariff increase and its potential impact on consumers. Minister for Energy, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, highlighted that businesses might transfer the increased costs to consumers, leading to higher prices for public goods and services.
To address these concerns, the government is engaging with various stakeholders, including the Fiji Commerce and Employees Federation, to gather input before making final decisions. Ro Filipe emphasized the need for thorough consultations prior to implementing any changes, as feedback from businesses and consumers is essential to finding a balanced solution.
Ro Filipe also noted the dissatisfaction voiced by the employers’ federation regarding the consultation process, suggesting that discussions should have occurred before the tariff proposal was made. He pointed out that many had expressed concerns that the consultations were not adequately inclusive of current stakeholders.
Additionally, the minister raised issues regarding comments made by the chief executive officer of the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), who indicated that there was division within the Cabinet on the matter. Ro Filipe stated that such comments should be handled delicately, as they may violate protocol due to the confidential nature of Cabinet discussions.
While the situation presents challenges, the ongoing dialogues between the government and stakeholders may pave the way for a resolution that considers the interests of both businesses and consumers in Fiji. The government’s proactive approach to address these issues signifies a commitment to balancing economic considerations with consumer protection, which can lead to more stable energy pricing in the future.
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