Fijians will have to dig deeper into their pockets from tomorrow as the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has announced increases in fuel and gas prices.
The price of motor spirit will increase by 55 cents from $3.15 to $3.70 per litre, while premix will increase by 53 cents from $3.01 to $3.54 per litre.
The price of diesel will increase by 46 cents from $3.41 to $3.87 per litre while kerosene will increase by 41 cents from $2.67 to $3.08 per litre.
Meanwhile, gas prices will also increase from tomorrow.
The price of a 12kg gas cylinder will increase by $1.10 from $42.16 to $43.26, while a 4.5kg cylinder will increase by 41 cents from $15.81 to $16.22.
The price of bulk gas will increase by 9 cents from $3.25 to $3.34 per kilogram, while autogas will increase by 5 cents from $2.24 to $2.29 per litre.
These prices apply to areas on Viti Levu located within three kilometres of a public road.
The FCCC says the latest changes are linked to higher international fuel prices in September, along with increased shipping costs and movements in the exchange rate.
It says tensions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war have added pressure to the international oil market.
It says that as Fiji imports all its fuel, changes in international prices and the cost of bringing fuel into the country affect what consumers pay locally.
The FCCC says local fuel and gas prices are reviewed every month using international market prices, shipping costs and exchange rate movements.
It also points out that consumers benefited when international fuel prices dropped earlier this year, with local prices decreasing in July and August.
The FCCC says any future fall in international prices will also be considered during its monthly reviews.
Meanwhile, fuel stations, retailers and LPG suppliers must follow the new maximum prices from tomorrow. Businesses can charge less than the approved prices but cannot charge more.
The FCCC says its officers will carry out inspections across the country to make sure suppliers and retailers follow the new prices.
Consumers who believe they have been charged above the approved prices can contact the FCCC.
