Fuel hike to push poorest deeper into hardship, FTUC warns

The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) says the latest fuel price increase will push low-income earners deeper into hardship.

The union has raised concern about the impact of the hike, warning that those already below the poverty line will be hardest hit.

FTUC national secretary Felix Anthony said the decision would worsen living conditions for workers struggling to make ends meet.

“This increase will have a drastic impact on workers, particularly the majority who earn the minimum wage, which is well below the poverty line,” Mr Anthony said.

“The cost of everyday essentials is likely to be affected, and this will put our poorest into a very precarious situation and may have serious social implications.”

He said many families were already finding it difficult to survive.

“Already we see workers struggling to put decent food on the table for their families.

“It is time for Government to reconsider its stance on the minimum wage and, in fact, all wages stipulated in the Wages Council Order,” he said.

Mr Anthony also criticised the rationale behind the price hike, stating it unfairly benefits fuel companies.

“The justification for the steep increase in the price of fuel is that this would enable oil companies to buy future fuel stock at higher prices. This simply does not make sense.

“In fact, fuel bought at lower prices and sold at higher prices would be a windfall for fuel companies at the expense of workers and all citizens of Fiji.

“If the same logic is applied to workers, then a wage increase for future increases in the cost of living as a result of the increased fuel prices would be justified,” he said.

Mr Anthony called for urgent wage reforms, saying current pay levels were inadequate.

“The current minimum wage of $5 is grossly insufficient and condemns workers to perpetual poverty,” he said.

The FTUC also called on the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) to rescind the increases it approved until suppliers pay the higher fuel price.