Opposition MP, Vijay Nath has questioned by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission waited until 7:35pm last night to drop the bomb on the nation regarding the significant fuel price increase.
Nath says we need an emergency bill to remove the 20-cent fuel tax.
He says if the Government truly cares about the struggle of the people, they will strip this duty immediately to blunt this.
The Opposition MP stresses that you cannot tax your way out of a crisis on the backs of the poor and the hardworking.
Nath says just two weeks ago, Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel looked at the cameras and promised that prices were locked until May.
He says even Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka gave his word to the people, telling everyone there would be no increase and no need to rush to the service stations.
Nath says last night night, those promises became worthless, and this is a midnight ambush on every family in Fiji.
He adds to release such shocking data with only four hours’ notice is a cowardly way to treat the citizens you serve.
Nath says a 75-cent jump in diesel and a 71-cent hike in kerosene is beyond reckless.
He says it is a direct hit to the pockets of the common man.
The Opposition MP says while the Government sat on this data, the public had no time to prepare.
Nath says our school buses, our farmers, and our market vendors are being crushed tonight.
We have sought responses from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance.
They are yet to respond.
