Ra leaders urge Government to explore local oil resources

Traditional leaders in Ra Province are calling on the Government to explore local oil extraction as Fiji continues to face fuel supply challenges.

The issue was raised during the Ra Provincial Council Meeting at Nanukuloa, where several district representatives claimed oil may exist offshore near the Yasawa Islands and could be linked to areas within the Ra province.

Representatives questioned why Fiji continued to rely heavily on imported fuel when potential local resources may remain untapped.

They argued that dependence on imported fuel increased the country's vulnerability during fuel disruptions and placed additional pressure on households and businesses.

Council members acknowledged that oil extraction is a highly technical process involving geological exploration, drilling and crude oil recovery systems. However, they said the Government should consider investing in exploration and assessing any potential extraction opportunities.

Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources permanent secretary, Paula Cirikiyasawa, was reportedly asked to respond to the proposal, but the council was informed that he had left the meeting earlier.

Council chairman Kiniviliame Salabogi then asked Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu to clarify matters relating to oil exploration and extraction licences.

Ms Bainivalu said she would seek further clarification from the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources before responding to the council.