The interim taxi fare adjustment introduced in July this year will end on September 30th, with taxi operators required to return to the authorised fares from October 1st.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission says the temporary fare adjustment was introduced on July 1st in response to the significant increase in international fuel prices earlier this year.
FCCC says the adjustment was approved to help taxi operators recover increased fuel costs while supporting the continued provision of reliable taxi services.
They say the measure was always intended to provide temporary relief while global fuel prices and their impact on Fiji’s taxi industry were monitored.
FCCC says taxi fares cannot be adjusted every time fuel prices change because any adjustment requires taxi meters around the country to be reprogrammed, tested and calibrated.
FCCC CEO Senikavika Jiuta says taxis play a vital role in Fiji’s transport network, particularly for people travelling to work, school, medical appointments, airports and areas with limited public transport.
She says FCCC has to strike a fair balance between protecting consumers from unjustified fare increases and ensuring taxi operators can continue providing safe, reliable and sustainable services.
FCCC says future major fare changes will undergo a full cost review, which will consider fuel costs as well as other factors affecting taxi operators.
They further say that any future fare adjustments will be assessed under FCCC’s established methodology and communicated publicly before being implemented.
FCCC is reminding taxi operators that from October 1st, only authorised taxi fares can be charged and meters must be recalibrated before then to avoid passengers being overcharged.
People who believe they have been overcharged can contact FCCC on 8921991 or or via email at helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj.
