Fuel plan activated as Government prepares for possible shortages

The Government has activated a national fuel emergency plan as global tensions drive rising fuel prices and uncertainty over future supply.

Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya said Fiji was not currently facing a fuel shortage, but warned that early action was needed to avoid a crisis.

“Let me be very clear. This is not a fuel shortage right now. This is a fuel price issue.”

She said uncertainty remained over future supply.

“We do not yet know exactly what fuel supply will look like in the coming months, especially for May and June. We also cannot control what is happening overseas, the conflict, global supply and shipping routes. There is still uncertainty.”

She said Fiji remained in the first phase of the Fiji National Fuel Emergency Action Plan, with fuel levels above 50 per cent and supply still stable.

At this stage, the focus is on conservation, with the public urged to:

• Reduce unnecessary travel
• Use public transport
• Carpool where possible
• Save electricity
• Work from home where possible

Government has also begun cutting back on travel and reducing the use of official vehicles.

Ms Tabuya said stricter measures would be introduced if fuel levels dropped.

If fuel stocks fall to between 50 and 40 per cent, possible measures include:

• Reduced government travel
• moving to a four-day work week
• moving to a four-day school week
• Preparations for fuel rationing

At 30 to 20 per cent, tighter controls may include:

• Limits on fuel purchases
• Designated refuelling days
• Reduced business hours
• Increased work-from-home arrangements

If fuel levels drop below 20 per cent, the country would move into an emergency phase, where:

• Fuel is reserved for critical services
• Government operations may be limited
• Vehicle curfews could be introduced

Ms Tabuya said the plan was designed to respond in stages based on fuel levels.

“When supply is strong, we monitor. As it drops, we reduce use. If it drops further, we ration. And only at critical levels, we move to emergency measures.”

She stressed that Fiji was not in a crisis, but urged the public to act early.

“This is not a time to panic. It is a time to prepare.”