Long queues at service stations as Govt urges public not to panic buy fuel

Some pumps at service stations in the Suva area are closed, as people have been lining up at service stations to fuel up, while some are being seen filling drums.   

A service station in Flagstaff does not have diesel and unleaded fuel while in Laucala Beach, three pumps at a service station and another pump at another station is closed. 

The service stations have not given a reason why the pumps are not in operation. 

Fiji Government says fuel companies confirmed that fuel stocks currently held in Fiji range between approximately 20 to 45 days depending on the product, with additional shipments already scheduled.

The Government says that Fiji’s primary fuel supply hub remains Singapore, Korea and Malaysia, which is not currently affected by the conflict but we are liaising regularly with fuel suppliers on anticipated situations.

They say that existing policies also require minimum stockholding levels for major fuel products which is currently maintained.

The Government also notes that that local fuel prices typically adjust with about a one month lag from international markets, meaning global price changes are not immediately reflected domestically.

They stress that at this time, there is no indication of an immediate disruption to fuel availability in Fiji.

They are urging people to continue purchasing fuel as they normally would and to avoid unnecessary stockpiling.

The Government is also reminding that fuel hoarding is illegal and poses serious fire and safety risks.

They say unnecessary panic buying could place avoidable pressure on the national fuel distribution system and may lead to temporary shortages at service stations, affecting access for essential services and other members of the public.

They add that the Government has contingency planning processes in place through the Fuel and Power Emergency Act 1974 to safeguard critical services should global conditions deteriorate over a prolonged period.

These include ensuring fuel access for essential sectors such as hospitals and ambulance services, police and emergency response agencies, power generation, water and sanitation systems, telecommunications infrastructure and disaster response operations.

The Government stresses protecting essential services and maintaining economic stability remain Government priorities.

The Government stresses they will continue working closely with industry stakeholders to monitor fuel supply daily and ensure the resilience of Fiji’s critical infrastructure.