'Fuel relief requests must go through Cabinet process'

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says any proposal for fuel relief or tax cuts must first be considered by the Cabinet's Financial Sub-Committee before any decision can be made.

His comments come as taxi operators and other transport providers continue to raise concerns about soaring fuel prices, with unleaded petrol now selling at $3.93 per litre and diesel at $4.58 per litre.

Responding to calls for Government intervention, Mr Rabuka said established processes would need to be followed.

"It will have to be considered in the financial sub-committee of Cabinet and they have to bring their submissions to the sub-committee," Mr Rabuka said.

He said the same process applied to all transport operators seeking relief.

"It applies to all those operators who are now crying for more cut for the taxes, whatever, that will have to be given to that sub-committee."

According to the Prime Minister, any decision on fuel subsidies, tax reductions or other forms of assistance would require assessment by the Financial Sub-Committee of Cabinet, the Fuel Regulator led by Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau, and the National Security Council.

"That all will be decided in the council... whether there are cuts here, deductions here or increases in another area," Mr Rabuka said.

In towns such as Savusavu and Labasa, taxi and carrier operators have warned that long-distance routes are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain because of rising fuel costs.

Some operators say they have been forced to increase fares to cover operating expenses and have called for support similar to subsidies provided to the bus industry.

Earlier this month, the Government introduced multi-million-dollar relief measures aimed at cushioning the impact of rising fuel and transport costs.

These included covering a regulated 22.5 per cent increase in bus fares so commuters would not face higher travel costs. Targeted fuel subsidies and vouchers have also been provided for rural service vehicles and boat operators transporting students.