‘It’s getting too much’: Taxi drivers call for fuel relief

Savusavu taxi operators are facing an unprecedented operational hurdle that is forcing many to abandon long-distance routes in favour of shorter runs.

The shift comes on the heels of the latest surge in regulated fuel prices that has pushed unleaded petrol to $3.93 per litre and diesel to $4.58 per litre.

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) said the record-high prices were a direct result of ongoing volatility in international fuel markets, soaring global freight costs, and geopolitical uncertainty.

For most drivers on the ground, the math of long-distance commuting no longer adds up.

Ground reality

Veteran driver Ram Prit, who resides at Tavulomo Airport Road and based at Savusavu Town, said long runs have become economically unviable for both drivers and passengers.

“Before, we would charge $120 from here to Labasa, now we have to ask for $170 to $180 just to clear a $70 to $80 fuel bill,” Mr Prit said.

“If I take a $100 job now, I end up using $50 to $60 worth of fuel. We are just surviving day-to-day on short runs. Long runs are not payable anymore because the fares are too high, and people are avoiding them.”

Mr Prit said that the trip to Buca Bay, which previously cost passengers $100 and required $25 in fuel, now demands a $140 fare because the fuel cost for the same distance has nearly doubled to $45.

“When you talk to customers, they tell you how difficult it is. People are walking out of shops complaining about how tough life is getting. It’s getting too much,” he said.

Strict budgeting

The crisis is delivering a harsh baptism of fire for newcomers to the industry. Viliame Niubalavu, a driver, who ventured into the taxi business just a year ago, said the sudden market shift has impacted his financial planning.

Niubalavu, 34, said that he had already witnessed drastic changes in his operational budget for fuel alone.

“The only option is to be smart about how we use fuel. I have been scheduling my operation hours accordingly,” Niubalavu said.

For operator Shalvin Rohit Nand, navigating the crisis means clinging strictly to standard operations.

Taxi driver Shalvin Rohit Nand poses for a picture at Savusavu Town, following an interview with this newspaper.

Photo: Talei Roko

“At the moment, we are just sticking to the taxi meter because we cannot do anything apart from that,” Nand said.

In sharing how his daily operational expenses have spiked he said a standard day of driving requires $30 in fuel now it demands anywhere between $45 to $50.

Government intervention

Because of mounting financial pressures operators called for government help. Some question the disparity in Government support for different sectors of public transportation.

Mr Prit and colleague Mr Nand pointed that out: If the Government can subsidize buses, then they can do something for us as well,” said Prit.

Both called for equal treatment under public service regulations.

“Buses are public service vehicles so is taxi a Public Service Vehocle (PSV) too. If they can help the buses, they should help us, “ the duo said.