Consumers must get benefit of lower fuel prices

[Posted 17 October 2008,1400]

Benefits from the current substantial decline in fuel prices must be passed on to the consumers, Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said.

Mr Chaudhry has called on government and all regulatory authorities such as the Commerce Commission, the Land Transport Authority and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to immediately review downwards price hikes given as a result of escalating fuel prices in the past few months.

“Fuel costs have come down substantially and is expected to decline even further. It is only fair that consumers are passed on the benefits of the reduced price,” Mr Chaudhry said.

He called for the immediate reduction of :

Airfares both domestic and international, and in particular the fuel surcharge granted to Air Pacific

Bus fares which went up 21% as a result of rising fuel prices

Fuel surcharge levied by the Fiji Electricity Authority

Local and overseas freight charges

Haulage charges by trucking companies

“In addition, State subsidies had been granted to bus companies in lieu of bus fare increases. These must now be adjusted to reflect the lower cost of diesel fuel,” Mr Chaudhry said.

“Government needs to act immediately to provide some relief to the suffering public from price hikes brought on by the escalating cost of fuel. It must be seen to play fair with the people,” Mr. Chaudhry said.