As Cabinet is meeting to firm-up on the plan of action for the long term, if there is no resolution to the conflict in the Middle East in the near future, people across the country are being urged to show restraint and responsibility following recent observations of people and commercial operators engaging in the bulk-buying and hoarding of fuel.
Consumer Council of Fiji says reports have reached the Council of individuals bringing large gallons to service stations across the country, fuelled by anxieties over geopolitical conflicts and the resulting disruption of global supply chains.
They say while these international tensions may lead to anticipated increases in costs, the Council stresses that current domestic supply levels do not justify the level of panic currently being displayed at the pumps.
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel has confirmed that they have up to 45 days of supply with at least 1 shipment on it's way.
He says the Government has already set up a task force to monitor the situation for both the supply and later the price.
The Council warns that this behavior is creating a dangerous "artificial shortage" where one would not otherwise exist.
They say by attempting to stockpile fuel, consumers are depleting local reserves faster than the supply chain can naturally replenish them, effectively bringing about the very shortages they are trying to avoid.
Consumer Council CEO Seema Shandil says we have seen this happen before when during the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed the same patterns with toilet paper, sugar, and salt.
She says in those instances, the supply was sufficient for the population's needs, but the sheer volume of panic buying created empty shelves and unnecessary hardship for others.
The Council is also highlighting the severe safety risks associated with storing large quantities of fuel in residential areas or in non-specialised containers.
They say hoarding fuel at home or in unregulated commercial spaces poses a significant fire hazard to families and the wider community.
The Council is urging both private citizens and commercial operators to maintain their normal purchasing habits and buy only what is necessary for their immediate operations to ensure that essential services and the general public have fair and equitable access to fuel.
They are also reminding the public that collective responsibility is the most effective way to prevent market instability.
The Consumer Council adds by acting with patience and avoiding the urge to hoard, we can ensure that fuel remains available for everyone.
