Savusavu businesses report sales decline amid fuel challenges

The Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries says rising fuel costs and slow market activity have led to sales declines of up to 30 per cent.

With the National Budget due on June 26, businesses are hoping for measures that will ease pressure and support growth.

Chamber president Avikash Pillay said the business community was looking forward to budget-friendly initiatives and stronger Government support.

Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Avikash Pillay.

Photo: Supplied

“Many of us in the business community are looking forward to budget-friendly opportunities and stronger Government support for businesses in Savusavu,” Mr Pillay said.

“Affordable initiatives will help local businesses grow and create more jobs in our town. We also need better roads and infrastructure to support economic growth.”

He said continued investment in agriculture and tourism was essential because both sectors remained key drivers of economic activity and employment in Savusavu and across the Northern Division.

“In the last two months, we have been feeling the impact of the fuel crisis in our business sector in Savusavu. Business has been down and it’s squeezing everyone,” Mr Pillay said.

“Fuel sales have dropped significantly, affecting overall market activity.”

He said lower fuel sales had resulted in reduced customer movement and weaker business performance.

“The volume of sales has gone down, the market has been slow, and the fuel impact has been affecting us and other businesses. We have fewer customers coming in, which means less movement. Less movement means less profit.”

Mr Pillay said sales had fallen by as much as 30 per cent because of the fuel situation.

“Before the fuel crisis, business activity in Savusavu was much stronger, with higher movement and customer turnout, but that has since slowed,” he said.

While acknowledging the Government's own fiscal responsibilities, Mr Pillay said he hoped the upcoming Budget would provide relief and support for businesses.