As Taveuni continues to struggle with a fuel shortage caused by shipping disruptions, a local businessman has worked with Pacific Energy to secure about 14,000 litres of fuel for the island.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Suncity Supermarket owner Rohil Chaudhari says the truckload of fuel is expected to arrive by barge tomorrow.
He says the shipment will include unleaded petrol, diesel, premix and kerosene, while another shipment could arrive on Wednesday.
Chaudhari says his service station pumps are currently not operating following a fire, meaning the fuel will have to be distributed manually using measured containers.
Insert:Chaudhari on fuel
He says customers may initially be limited to about 20 litres each so more people can access fuel and pressure from the shortage can be eased.
Chaudhari says the process will be challenging, but his priority is to help residents and businesses that have been struggling without fuel.
He says one customer travelled about 20 kilometres from Lavena Village and was relieved to hear that fuel is expected to arrive tomorrow.
Some customers have also paid in advance so they can collect fuel once the shipment reaches Taveuni.
Chaudhari says he is trying his best and understands that he cannot make every customer happy, but being able to put a smile on some people's faces makes him feel proud.
He says the shipment is expected to provide some relief to families and businesses affected by the ongoing fuel shortage.
@fijivillage.com #fijivillageONRECORD ♬ original sound - fijivillage
