Fuel prices go up

The prices of fuel have gone up.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya who says that the price of 1 litre unleaded will now be $1.83 which is an increase of 11 cents.

The new price of premix will now be $1.67 a litre which is an increase of 11 cents.

The new price of kerosene will now be $1.26 a litre which is an increase of 8 cents.

The new price of Diesel will now be $1.47 a litre which is an increase of 7 cents.

Koya says the reason for the increase in fuel prices is due to the decline in global inventory, high demands for refined petroleum for the quarter and to strengthen the trading currency.

Meanwhile, Koya adds that the reason for the increase in prices for LPG products is due to the increase in the published prices and the strengthening of the US dollar against the Fijian dollar.

The new price of the 4.5kg gas cylinder will now be $12.04 which is an increase of $1.27.

The new price of the 12kg cylinder will now be $32.11 which is an increase of $3.38.

The new price of bulk (KG) will now be $2.27 which is an increase of 24 cents.

The new price for Auto Gas will now be $1.52 a litre which is an increase of 16 cents.

Koya says the price changes in fuel and LPG are beyond their control as Fiji is a price taker to the world market prices for both the refined oils and butane.

However, he says that fuel is a significant contributor to carbon emission and climate change and the impact of it poses a larger threat to small island developing states like Fiji.

He says this is evident with Cyclone Winston and the devastation caused by it and therefore people need to assist and lead the fight to combat climate change by being responsible in the use of fuel amongst other things.