Fiji faces US$20m fuel burden, Pacific activists warn

Soaring global oil prices could cost Fiji an extra US$20 million (FJ$45 million) in just 60 days, Pacific activists warn.

The warning highlights the vulnerability of small island economies heavily reliant on imported fuel and exposed to volatile global energy markets, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The concerns form part of “The Great Power Shift”, a global campaign led by 350.org and its partners, aimed at accelerating the transition to affordable renewable energy systems.

More than 50 countries recently met in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first global conference focused on transitioning away from fossil fuels, with discussions centred on reducing reliance on coal, oil and gas.

Pacific campaigner for 350.org, Jacynta Fa’amau, said the region was facing a growing imbalance between corporate profits and public hardship.

She said fossil fuel companies continued to reap “obscene profits” while Pacific communities faced worsening climate impacts and rising living costs.

“The polycrisis of climate change, energy insecurity, and skyrocketing cost of living has shown that our region critically needs to move beyond fossil fuels,” Ms Fa’amau said.

She also urged Australia to take a leadership role in renewable energy.

Ms Fa’amau said small island nations had been repeatedly exposed to global shocks, with new estimates from 350.org showing price spikes had already imposed tens of millions of dollars in additional costs across Pacific economies.

Pacific and Caribbean lead at 350.org, Fenton Lutunatabua, said the situation was unsustainable.

“They profit and we pay,” he said, stressing the urgent need for renewable energy solutions to shield Pacific nations from market volatility.