Interim taxi fare increase to end on September 30

Taxi passengers will pay lower fares from October 1 after the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) confirmed the current interim fare increase, introduced during the recent fuel price surge, will end on September 30.

The FCCC said the temporary fare adjustment, which came into effect on July 1, was approved to help taxi operators recover higher fuel costs following a sharp rise in international fuel prices earlier this year.

With fuel prices now easing, taxi fares will revert to their previous rates from October 1.

FCCC chief executive Joel Abraham said the temporary adjustment was intended to support the taxi industry while global fuel prices were monitored.

FCCC acting chief executive Pranita Jiuta said taxi fares could not be adjusted every time fuel prices changed because every taxi meter nationwide had to be reprogrammed, tested and calibrated.

"Taxi fares cannot be adjusted every time fuel prices move. Any fare change requires every taxi meter in the country to be reprogrammed, tested and calibrated, which is a significant exercise for both operators and regulators. The interim authorisation therefore provides a defined period of certainty, allowing operators to recover increased fuel costs while giving passengers confidence that authorised fares will remain consistent during that period."

Ms Jiuta said taxis remained an essential part of Fiji's transport network, particularly for people travelling to work, school, medical appointments, airports and areas with limited public transport.

"Taxi services are an essential part of everyday life for many Fijians, connecting people to work, education, healthcare and other essential services. The FCCC's role is to strike a fair balance between protecting consumers from unjustified fare increases and ensuring taxi operators can continue providing safe, reliable and sustainable transport services. A financially sustainable taxi industry ultimately benefits consumers by ensuring that these essential services remain available, accessible and dependable into the future."

She said allowing operators to recover genuine increases in fuel costs had helped keep taxis on the road while maintaining the industry's long-term sustainability.

The FCCC said it would continue monitoring global fuel prices and domestic operating costs and would review taxi fares where necessary to ensure they remained fair while supporting a reliable and accessible public transport system.

It noted that any future fare review would involve a full cost assessment rather than focusing solely on fuel prices.

Taxi operators have been reminded to recalibrate their meters before October 1 to reflect the approved fares and avoid overcharging passengers.

The FCCC has also urged consumers to report any instances of overcharging.