Rural carrier operators in Seaqaqa, Macuata, say rising fuel prices and mounting operating costs have pushed many to the brink, with close to 10 operators formally raising concerns and one already suspending a designated route because it is no longer financially viable. The operators are calling on the government for urgent assistance similar to the support recently extended to bus operators and for a review of fare structures to prevent further service withdrawals that would strand remote communities.
Seaqaqa carrier operator Erami Biuanisala told local officials in a letter that many drivers are now operating at a loss. “In that letter, we have clarified that we are facing a lot of problems because we can no longer purchase fuel through our accounts. When we go to businesses in Seaqaqa, they tell us we now have to pay cash,” Biuanisala said, describing a shift by fuel retailers that has squeezed already tight operator cashflows. He warned that if fuel prices continue to rise more carriers may be forced to stop servicing rural routes.
Labasa taxi operator Mahen Prasad echoed those concerns, saying fuel costs have been increased several times in recent months and are now approaching FJ$4 a litre. The repeated hikes, combined with rising costs for spare parts and frequent repairs caused by poor road surfaces, are eroding drivers’ earnings and threatening the sustainability of services that link remote villages to markets, schools and health clinics.
Operators in Seaqaqa noted that many of their routes traverse gravel and poorly maintained roads, which multiplies wear-and-tear and maintenance bills. Those conditions make it difficult to absorb higher fuel bills; one carrier operator has already ceased operations on a particular route after calculating it was no longer financially viable to continue. Others say they are cutting back trips or reducing passenger loads to minimise costs, a trend that would reduce travel options and increase isolation for rural residents.
Transport operators are pressing for immediate government intervention — either targeted subsidies, temporary fuel assistance similar to that given to urban bus fleets, or adjustments to regulated fares to reflect current costs. They warn that without such measures, the number of vehicles servicing rural areas could decline further, with knock-on effects for access to essential services and local economies.
The current pleas add to broader concerns about rising transport and utility costs affecting businesses and households across Fiji. For remote carrier operators in Seaqaqa, the combination of near-FJ$4 fuel, cash-only fuel purchasing policies at some retailers, and high maintenance demands has created an urgent financial squeeze that operators say requires swift policy action to avoid deeper service cuts.