Rural families in Lautoka that rely on kerosene for cooking are among those most affected by rising fuel prices as they try to cope with the fuel crisis.
Lautoka resident and Ratepayers Association President Narayan Reddy says the continued increase in fuel prices in recent months has placed significant pressure on families and businesses.
Reddy says prices could continue to rise for another six months because of economic conditions and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
He says communities in rural areas such as Tavakubu, Saru, Natabua, Saweni, Velovelo and nearby villages are struggling to cope with higher kerosene costs as many households rely on kerosene stoves for their daily cooking needs.
Insert: Narayan on Firewood 2nd June
Insert: Narayan on carpooling Hindi 2nd June
Meanwhile, Reddy says the impact of rising fuel costs is being felt across Fiji, with many residents changing their daily routines to reduce expenses.
According to Reddy, some residents in Lautoka have parked their vehicles and are relying more on buses, while others are carpooling with family members, friends and neighbours to share fuel costs.
He says households are reducing unnecessary travel and planning trips more carefully to conserve fuel and manage expenses.
Reddy also says reports from Lautoka indicate that many shops have sold out of cooking gas following news of the latest fuel price increase, placing additional pressure on families already struggling with higher transport and energy costs.
For urban residents who cannot use firewood, he encourages better planning to reduce fuel consumption, saying families can save on cooking fuel by preparing ingredients before turning on stoves and avoiding unnecessary use of gas during meal preparation.
Reddy says rising fuel prices are also affecting transport operators, including taxi, minibus and bus operators.
He says some taxi drivers have begun refusing short-distance trips because of higher fuel costs, while some minibus operators have reportedly increased fares on certain routes.
Reddy urges transport operators to continue serving all passengers during this difficult period and avoid being selective about fares or destinations, saying cooperation is needed to help communities cope with the rising cost of living.
He says many families are finding it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses, particularly those that rely heavily on fuel and kerosene.
Reddy says transport operators, rural households and low-income families are among those bearing the greatest burden.
While acknowledging that the fuel crisis is a global issue rather than one unique to Fiji, he is calling on Government to consider measures that would provide broader relief to consumers.
Reddy suggests reducing fuel taxes while maintaining VAT collections, arguing that such a move would lower costs and benefit all Fijians rather than selected groups.
He says he understands Government is considering contingency measures to address the situation and hopes assistance will be introduced quickly.
Reddy stresses that the current challenges require cooperation from Government, businesses and the public, adding that communities should focus on helping one another rather than assigning blame.
He says the fuel crisis is affecting countries around the world and maintains that collective action, careful planning and shared responsibility will be essential in helping families and businesses navigate the difficult period ahead.
