No plans to raise minimum wage amid fuel crisis, says Minister

There are no discussions at ministerial level to increase the national minimum wage from $5 to $6 or higher, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh says.

Speaking in Labasa, Mr Singh said rising fuel prices were driven by global factors linked to the United States–Iran conflict and were beyond Government control.

“The fuel crisis is not the making of our nation, it is a global issue, it is not only our country affected, but all other economies,” he said.

He said workers and the public would need to share the burden of the crisis, adding that any further Government intervention to ease the cost of living would need careful consideration.

Meanwhile, Fiji Labour Party Labasa Regional Action Committee vice-president Alan Tuinasoni said Government should consider increasing wages to help offset rising living costs.

Mr Tuinasoni said stagnant wages alongside increasing expenses would create serious imbalances and claimed efforts to assist people had been minimal.

In response to the developing situation, Government has announced a national fuel emergency plan aimed at maintaining supply and reducing wastage.

Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya said fuel levels remain above 50 per cent and supply is stable.

Mr Singh said Government is also in talks with Singapore to secure future fuel shipments.

“Our foreign minister is in Singapore engaged in discussions to secure our fuel supply for the coming months,” he said.

He urged the public to adopt fuel-saving measures, including reducing unnecessary travel, using public transport, carpooling, saving electricity and working from home where possible.