Prasad calls for government action on fuel tax relief

National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad is calling on the Fijian government to reconsider its fuel tax policies, suggesting a review could provide much-needed relief across various economic sectors. Prasad emphasized that while such measures could alleviate burdens on households and businesses, the government must remain transparent about the necessity of revenue to support vulnerable populations.

Prasad pointed to the persistent volatility in global fuel prices, exacerbated by ongoing international conflicts and uncertainties. He noted that even with prices recently dipping below $100 per barrel to around $95-$96, they remain significantly high. Fiji's economy, heavily dependent on imported fuel, is directly exposed to these global market shifts, making relief measures crucial for mitigating the economic impact.

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Maybe it’s time for the government to relook at the tax. Given the situation now, given the persistence of the war, given the continuation of the war, given that the prices are still, although yesterday it was below $100, about $95, $96, it is still very high.

"Maybe it’s time for the government to relook at the tax," Prasad stated, highlighting the ongoing war and its effect on prices. He acknowledged the government's responsibility to ensure a stable fuel supply and maintain economic activity to prevent job losses and income reduction. A taxi operator corroborated the pressure from rising fuel costs, reporting that most earnings are now consumed by daily operating expenses. Prasad suggested that if the current situation persists, the government may need to explore additional cost-cutting measures beyond those already implemented.

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But I think the government’s responsibility here, and I think government is focusing on that, is to make sure that the fuel supply is there, that the economy continues to run, that people do not lose jobs, people do not lose income.