Fuel surge puts pressure on rural carrier transport operators

Carrier owner Simione Ravia is helpless as despite the new fuel price he will continue his business because he does not want his customers to suffer.

“I come from Naitasiri everyday transporting goods, farm produce, bringing in the sick, students and everyone,” 46 year old Mr Ravia said.

“Those in charge of the increase in fuel should be considerate as we suffer the most as we ease a lot of people’s problems in improving their livelihood,” he said.

“What used to cost me $200 for full tank is now costing me more than $400.

“Then how am I supposed to make a living from my business? If I do not make a run to the city farmers suffer as their harvest will not reach the markets.”

Mr Bavia warns that ordinary people would bear the burden when transport fares rise, particularly those whose income remained unchanged.

“We cannot do anything. The law has been set and there is nothing we can do but follow and be abided by it,” he said.

Like other carrier drivers he is hopeful that they be considered to have carrier charges increased also like bus fares.

“If bus companies are subsidised we (carrier operators) should also be considered. We provide the same purpose, we reach places where buses cannot.”

“There must be equality. It is not a problem if development requires more funding, but the people who make that development possible must also be remembered.”

He also warned that if transport charges continued to rise while customers’ incomes remained stagnant, demand for carrier services would decline as fewer people would be able to afford their services.