Fuel price pressures could ease in coming months: Transport Minister

Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau says Fiji could see relief from fuel price pressures in the coming months as tensions in the Middle East ease.

Speaking on the country's fuel supply situation, the minister said improving stability in the region was expected to have a positive impact on global oil prices.

"As the situation in the Middle East improves and peace efforts progress, oil prices are already showing signs of easing. The positive effects will eventually reach Fiji," he said.

Ro Filipe noted that Fiji's energy sector is about 58 per cent renewable, with a significant share generated through hydroelectric power from the Monasavu Dam.

However, he said contingency measures remained necessary during periods of low water levels.

"If water levels fall, there will need to be contingencies in place, including the increased use of generators," he said.

The minister said the Fuel Advisory Committee continued to closely monitor fuel supply and pricing developments.

"The fuel supply situation has been maintained by our fuel companies and is being monitored closely. Fuel pricing is managed by the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission," he said.

Ro Filipe said any reduction in local fuel prices would not occur immediately because of the time required for changes in international markets to flow through domestic supply chains.

"The impact will not be immediate, but as we move forward we expect to see more positive effects on fuel prices," he said.

The minister said the Ministry of Finance would continue to assess developments and determine whether further measures were necessary.

"As the situation evolves and the price impacts reach Fiji, the Ministry of Finance will assess the situation accordingly. We will evaluate what actions may be required based on that assessment," he said.

Ro Filipe also highlighted the Government's coordinated approach to managing fuel security, involving agencies including the Ministry of Finance, the Water Authority of Fiji, the Ministry of Rural Development, the National Disaster Management Office and Energy Fiji Limited, together with fuel companies.

"Over the past few months, government agencies and fuel suppliers have worked closely together to coordinate fuel supply management. Data collected through the Fuel Advisory Committee has been regularly reported to Cabinet and the National Security Council, helping to guide mitigation measures implemented during the past two months," he said.