Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Government will provide direct relief to bus operators to ensure fares remain stable and the Government will also subsidise diesel costs for Energy Fiji Limited to ensure stable and uninterrupted power supply across the country, keeping our homes, businesses, and essential services running.
While delivering his national address after the National Security Council and cabinet meetings, the Prime Minister says the Government will increase welfare assistance for our most vulnerable citizens, including additional support for those on social welfare and our elderly receiving pensions.
Rabuka says the Government will consider reducing FNPF contributions for both employers and employees, subject to Parliamentary approval.
He says this will help reduce costs for businesses and put more money directly into the pockets of workers during this difficult period.
Rabuka also says at a time like this, leadership must begin at the top.
He has announced that a 20 percent pay cut for all Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and Members of Parliament will be put forward, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In addition, all overseas travel for Ministers and Assistant Ministers is stopped with immediate effect.
However the Minister for Foreign Affairs has received approval to travel overseas to negotiate fuel supply and the Minister for Social Protection is approved to go to Turkey for humanitarian assistance talks.
Rabuka says all new civil service positions are on hold, all job evaluations are suspended, all overseas travel is stopped for Permanent Secretaries and all civil servants, Government vehicle use has been restricted under the Finance Circular issued on 2nd April, including: carpooling across ministries is now required, walking to nearby meeting venues is encouraged, all travel must be planned in advance for better coordination, Government meetings and training are to be conducted virtually where possible, use of government vehicles after hours requires approval from Permanent Secretaries or Heads of Department, all authorised vehicles operating after hours must carry official passes and will be monitored by Police and LTA, idle parking is strictly prohibited, and vehicles must be switched off when not in use, private use or deviations during official hours are strictly prohibited, transporting civil servants to and from home during official hours is prohibited, unless approved overtime is in place, garaging of government vehicles at home is prohibited unless approved by the Permanent Secretary, overtime payments are suspended, with time-in-lieu applied instead, and new capital projects without signed contracts are on hold.
As we look at the fuel management related issues for Fiji, Rabuka says these are necessary steps to reduce costs, prioritise essential spending, and redirect resources toward managing this national situation.
He stresses that fuel will be managed carefully to ensure that essential services continue without disruption—especially electricity generation, public transport, and critical economic activities.
Rabuka says strategic decisions will be made to protect what matters most for our people and our economy.
The Fuel Advisory Committee, under the Fuel Controller, continues to lead national fuel security coordination.
In parallel, Cabinet, together with the National Disaster Management Office, has activated the Humanitarian Coordination Support for the fuel crisis.
This is to begin planning for, and responding to, any potential humanitarian impacts arising from this situation.
This coordination will operate through Fiji’s existing cluster system, bringing together government agencies, civil society, and international partners in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
At this stage, this remains a preparedness measure, not an emergency escalation.
Fiji remains in Phase One — Preparedness and Responsible Use.
Rabuka says this means fuel remains available, and there is no immediate shortage however, global developments require us to stay alert, act responsibly, and prepare for possible escalation.
Fuel prices are also expected to rise further if the global crisis continues.
He adds at this time, 682 Fijians are in the Middle East, and they are deeply concerned for their safety.
Government has allocated close to $2 million for their evacuation, if necessary.
Government is also actively engaging international partners to provide evacuation support.
Fiji currently has above 50 per cent of fuel supply.
Shipments already secured will carry us to the end of May however, beyond that, the situation becomes uncertain if global supply routes remain disrupted.
Rabuka says Fiji is actively working with international partners to secure our fuel supply and protect our national interests.
He says they are engaged in discussions with Australia on fuel support and storage options.
Rabuka says they are also engaging partners in the Middle East and beyond to support both fuel security and the safety of our citizens abroad.
He says they will prioritise our key income-earning sectors, particularly tourism, to ensure that economic activities continue and livelihoods sustained.
At the same time, the Prime Minister says Fiji has maintained strong foreign exchange reserves sufficient for the next 12 to 18 months.
This means there is no threat of currency devaluation, and our financial system remains stable.
The Prime Minister asks for everyone's cooperation - to use fuel wisely, avoid unnecessary travel, carpool where possible, use public transport where you can, reduce power usage in your homes, where possible, switch to solar lighting and explore solar technology in your homes and communities.
He says Fiji has faced challenges before—and we have always overcome them by standing together.
Rabuka says this is another moment that calls for unity, discipline, and resilience.
