Fuel prices drop, LPG rises from tomorrow

Motorists will see some relief at the pump from March 1, but households using LPG will pay more, after the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) announced new regulated prices for March 2026.

The new prices for unleaded petrol (motor spirit), premix, kerosene, diesel and LPG products take effect on Sunday, March 1.

Fuel prices fall

Fuel prices in Fiji are reviewed with a one-month lag. March 2026 prices are based on refined fuel and butane imports made in January 2026.

The decrease in motor spirit, premix, kerosene and diesel prices is largely driven by movements in the Means of Platts Singapore (MOPS), international freight rates and foreign exchange rates.

For motor spirit and premix, the key factors were:

• A 5.62 per cent drop in international refined fuel prices
• A 2.44 per cent weakening of the US dollar
• Despite a 4.92 per cent increase in international freight rates

Kerosene prices declined following a 1.21 per cent drop in refined prices, while diesel recorded a marginal 0.01 per cent increase in refined prices. Freight rates rose by 4.92 per cent, but the weaker US dollar offset some of the upward pressure.

Globally, crude oil prices were volatile in January 2026. Prices generally trended upward due to geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, supply disruptions in the Caspian region, and currency movements. However, gains were tempered by concerns over potential US tariffs on European goods and broader US-EU trade uncertainty.

These global market shifts contributed to the adjustments in Fiji’s refined fuel prices effective March 1.

LPG prices increase

In contrast, LPG prices have increased for March 2026.

The rise is mainly due to a 7.22 per cent increase in the Butane Contract Price (CP), along with a slight impact from a 0.51 per cent strengthening of the US dollar. International freight costs remained unchanged.

The LPG Contract Price, commonly referred to as the “Saudi CP”, is set monthly by Saudi Aramco and serves as the global benchmark. Fiji is a price taker in both refined fuel and LPG markets, as domestic demand is small compared to global demand.

In January 2026, Saudi Aramco raised contract prices for propane and butane to US$525 per tonne and US$520 per tonne respectively — up by US$30–35 per tonne — driven by strong demand from India and Southeast Asia.

Global LPG markets tightened over December 2025 and January 2026. Asia-Pacific propane prices rose due to winter heating demand and delayed US exports. European prices surged amid cold weather and reduced US arrivals, while high US inventories kept US benchmark prices relatively soft.

These international market forces ultimately pushed up domestic LPG prices in Fiji for March.

Enforcement and compliance

FCCC said its enforcement teams will conduct inspections at wholesale and retail outlets to ensure compliance with authorised maximum prices.

The Central Division team can be contacted on 8921991 or 9988917 (Nausori residents).
The Western Division team can be reached on 8911623 or 9982437 (Sigatoka residents).
The Northern Division team can be contacted on 8911624.

FCCC clarified that the prices issued are maximum wholesale and retail prices. Retailers may sell at or below the authorised prices.

Consumers are urged to report instances of hoarding, overcharging or unfair trading to FCCC via 8921991 or email helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj.