New data has highlighted significant disparities in access to clean cooking fuel between urban and rural women in Fiji. The recently released “Experimental Gender Climate Change Nexus Data Brief 2025” by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics indicates that the use of electricity and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is predominantly found in urban areas, leaving many rural women dependent on traditional fuel sources like firewood.
According to the data, urban households account for a striking 69.7 percent of electricity use and 80.9 percent of LPG consumption, while rural areas see only 30.3 percent and 19.1 percent, respectively. Kerosene utilization, which is more evenly distributed, is still higher in urban settings, where about 67.3 percent of kerosene use is recorded as low-income communities often rely on it for cooking and lighting.
This stark divide in energy access is crucial to the objectives of Fiji’s National Energy Policy 2023–2030, which aims to enhance clean energy availability for rural and marginalized communities. The FBoS emphasizes that these policies are instrumental in steering the nation toward a net-zero emissions economy by 2050, with a sharp focus on the adoption of cleaner energy sources.
“Transitioning to cleaner fuels such as LPG and biogas presents a dual opportunity to mitigate health risks tied to indoor air pollution while also granting women more time for productive activities outside fuel collection,” said a representative from the FBoS.
This information coincides with broader discussions concerning Fiji’s energy transition and its aspirations for renewable energy. Previous reports indicated that although fossil fuels remain the dominant energy source, initiatives are being launched to reduce dependence on these environmental pollutants. The transition toward renewables is seen as critical not just for environmental reasons but also for empowering women, who typically shouldering the responsibility of household energy needs.
Fiji’s emphasis on expanding clean energy access aligns with international climate goals, presenting a hopeful narrative about potential advancements in sustainability and gender equity. With the strong commitment displayed by policymakers, there is optimism that by focusing on cleaner energy alternatives, Fiji can foster a healthier environment for its communities while paving the way for women’s empowerment within the energy sector.
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