Fiji Fuel Prices Surge Overnight Amid Middle East Conflict; Opposition Denounces Government Over 'Broken Promises'

Fiji implements a major fuel price hike due to the Iran war, sparking panic buying and sharp criticism of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's leadership.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 6:04 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from RNZ Pacific

Midnight Price Spike Triggers National Panic

Motorists across Fiji rushed to petrol stations on Tuesday night following a late announcement by the FCCC regarding revised fuel prices for April. Effective Wednesday, the cost of unleaded petrol and premix has risen by nearly 50 cents per liter, while diesel prices saw an even steeper hike of almost 80 cents. Local media reports showed extensive queues as citizens attempted to refuel before the midnight deadline. This sudden increase comes as the global maritime oil trade faces severe disruption due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for nearly 25 percent of the world's oil supply.

Contradicting Previous Government Assurances

The price hike has placed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s administration under intense scrutiny. Just two weeks prior, the Prime Minister told reporters there was "no need to panic," claiming that Fiji possessed normal stock for three months already landed in-country. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel had also suggested to local press that prices would likely remain unchanged until at least May. The sudden reversal has led to accusations of a "midnight ambush" on Fijian families, with Opposition MP Vijay Nath describing the four-hour notice period as a cowardly way to treat the citizenry.

Opposition Questions Pricing Formula Accuracy

Opposition MP Premila Kumar has raised serious questions regarding the legality of the price increase based on the FCCC's own established formula. Kumar pointed out that Fiji traditionally operates on a one-month lag system, meaning April’s prices should reflect international market conditions from February. Given that the conflict in Iran did not escalate until mid-March, the opposition argues that the war cannot be used as a valid justification for the current spike. This discrepancy has fueled further political tension as families struggle with the immediate cost-of-living impact.