FSC CEO urges timely start to crushing season

Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Chief Executive Bhan Pratap Singh is pressing for all three sugar mills to commence operations next week as per schedule, emphasizing the critical need to meet both domestic and international market demands. The delayed start of the Lautoka Mill has already begun to affect operations, and Singh warns that further postponements could pose significant challenges to the sugar industry.

Singh highlighted the dwindling sugar stocks, stating that local market supplies could be depleted by the end of the month if milling operations do not begin promptly. "We will be running out of sugar soon. By the end of this month, there will be no more sugar available to sell locally if the mills do not start," he stated.

To ensure local availability, FSC has already curtailed sugar sales to Pacific Island countries, prioritizing the domestic market until production resumes. Singh also stressed the importance of fulfilling export commitments, including a preferential shipment to the United States. Although this quota is relatively small, estimated between 9,000 and 10,000 metric tons, it generates a higher return than sugar sold on the world market and has a strict delivery timeline.

Concerns are also mounting about the approaching wet season, which could make harvesting and transporting cane more difficult if delays persist. Singh is urging all stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues to allow the crushing season to proceed. He acknowledged the government's recent efforts to address growers' concerns, including an additional $5 per ton funding support announced, which is expected to help cover operational expenses and meet growers' expectations regarding delivery costs.

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We will be running out of sugar soon. By the end of this month, there will be no more sugar available to sell locally if the mills do not start.