Bus operators write to Minister for Economy to request for interim relief

Bus operators have written to the Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to request for interim relief to enable the industry to remain afloat.

The President of the Fiji Bus Operators Association, Nisar Ali Shah says the increase in fuel prices will greatly impact bus operators since fuel is a significant cost of doing business.

He says operators will find it difficult to absorb this increase in cost without direct government support.

Shah says bus operators are unable to pass on any increase in the costs of doing business to their consumers because it is a tightly regulated industry.

He says apart from fuel, operators have other costs that cannot be avoided or cut, such as those for tyres, spare parts and maintenance.

Shah says bus operators have suggested ways the government could support the industry.