AGP Executive Report

Fuel Relief Push: Fiji Taxi Association is demanding urgent government help as petrol prices jump to about $3.93–$4.54/litre and fares haven’t moved since 2011, arguing taxis—mostly small operators—are being squeezed while bus firms get subsidies. Consumer Watch: The Consumer Council wants earlier fuel and LPG price notices, saying last-minute announcements trigger panic buying, queues and alleged LPG hoarding. Labour Response: Fiji Teachers Union rejects any idea of cutting civil servants’ salaries to offset the fuel crisis, saying workers shouldn’t pay for global shocks. Transport Disruption: Natovi Jetty will close for 24 hours after an underwater survey found submerged boulders creating a navigation hazard, with berthing and loading suspended. Justice & Skills: A new Korotasere Magistrates Court is planned to cut costly travel for Cakaudrove residents, while Pacific Polytech graduates are urged to plug Fiji’s skills gaps. Seafood Trade: Fiji and other Pacific states are training authorities to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules, expected to affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Environment & Health: Fiji’s environmental health body is calling for noise pollution to be explicitly included in the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can enforce it. Logistics Growth: Rugby player Samuela Tawake is setting up a logistics business on Ovalau as he plans life after sport.

Clean Energy & Investment: ISA and the World Bank held the first ISA SIDS Dialogue in Bali, pushing an investment-ready solar and storage pipeline for Pacific islands including Fiji, alongside a 220MW Mauritius e-marketplace tender. Fisheries & Food Safety: Fiji joined other Pacific states meeting new EU rules for freezer vessels, with training in Suva on tighter -18°C brine requirements and traceability to protect EU market access. Fuel Pressure on Industry: Fiji’s Consumer Council and taxi operators are calling for earlier, clearer fuel price announcements and urgent relief as costs rise and cash disruptions spark queues and alleged LPG hoarding. Public Health vs Waste-to-Energy: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected TNG’s Vuda waste-to-energy EIA, citing unresolved risks around emissions, hazardous waste and public health, while a Vuda-Saweni taskforce says it may back smaller, better-sited alternatives. Skills for Growth: Pacific Polytech graduates in Labasa were urged into trades critical for Fiji’s development as workforce gaps persist. Hospitality Jobs: Marriott appointed John Douglas as Area General Manager Pacific Islands, overseeing its Fiji portfolio.

Fuel Shock Across the Pacific: Samoa has moved to an “amber alert” as diesel caps bite, while Fiji boosted diesel caps on key roads—keeping pressure on household budgets and services. Consumer Watchdog: Fiji’s Consumer Council wants earlier fuel and LPG price announcements after panic buying and queueing tied to late-month changes. Transport Under Strain: Fiji taxi operators are calling for urgent Government relief, arguing fares haven’t moved since 2010 while fuel costs have surged; bus operators meanwhile push e-ticketing to keep subsidy access running. Food & Jobs: Fiji’s fisheries sector is meeting new EU fish export safety rules on storage and traceability, and Food Processors Fiji is shifting production schedules and backing rooftop solar to cut fuel dependence. Waste-to-Energy Fight: Fiji’s Environment Ministry has rejected TNG’s Vuda waste-to-energy and private port EIA, citing unresolved public health, hazardous ash, tourism and infrastructure risks; the developer can appeal, while local opponents say they’re open to better-scaled alternatives. Skills Pipeline: Pacific Polytech graduates are urged to plug Fiji’s critical trades skills gaps as labour mobility continues to reshape the workforce. EU Compliance for Exports: Fiji’s tuna and seafood traceability upgrades aim to prevent histamine risks linked to improper freezing.

Vuda waste-to-energy shock: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port EIA, citing unresolved gaps on project scale, imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, water supply, public health, roads/port impacts, and social, cultural and tourism risks—though officials stressed it’s about the EIA meeting standards, not a blanket ban on waste tech. Appeal deadline: TNG now has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal; no resubmission route is available, with the matter potentially going to the High Court. Fuel squeeze hits transport: Bus operators warn of a widening monthly deficit as fuel costs surge, with the Fiji Bus Operators Association estimating shortfalls of about $1m in April, $4.3m in May, and roughly $5m by June—pushing calls for urgent relief. Quad turns to delivery: US, Australia, India and Japan say the Quad is moving from dialogue to action, unveiling maritime surveillance, critical minerals and an Indo-Pacific energy security push, plus a Fiji port infrastructure pilot. Local business momentum: A multi-million-dollar Nadi Back Road showroom/warehouse project is set to create jobs and strengthen Nadi’s role as a commercial hub. Agriculture pressure: Taveuni yaqona farmers demand tougher action as repeated thefts hit livelihoods, with penalties seen as too light to deter repeat offenders. Forestry resilience training: FAO and Fiji’s forestry ministry supported Samoa officers with sustainable teak and pine production training in Suva to build climate resilience. Israel-Fiji ties: Fiji opened Israel’s new Suva embassy, with Rabuka pointing to cooperation in climate resilience, renewable energy and water security amid local protests.

Waste & Environment: Fiji has rejected an Australian billionaire’s “energy-from-waste” plan for Vuda Point, saying the Environmental Impact Assessment failed legal and technical standards. The proposal would have shipped non-recyclable rubbish into Fiji and built an incinerator for about 900,000 tonnes a year, but the Environment Department cited unresolved issues including imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, public health risks, water supply, road/port impacts, tourism and social-cultural concerns, and the project’s overall economic case. Public Transport Costs: Bus operators warn of a fuel-driven crisis, with a reported monthly deficit of around $5m as diesel and fuel prices keep climbing, threatening service reductions. Tourism & Trade: Bunnings has launched bunningspacific.com.fj, a direct-to-consumer online store for Fiji with 20,000+ products shipped from Australia. Forestry & Climate Resilience: FAO supported Samoa and Fiji through a Suva training exchange on sustainable teak and pine production, aimed at closing technical and data gaps for climate resilience. Agriculture Security: Taveuni yaqona farmers are calling for tougher theft penalties after repeated raids and repeat offenders. Regional Business: A multi-million-dollar Nadi Back Road showroom/warehouse development is set to create jobs and strengthen Nadi’s role as a commercial hub. Sports Economy: Drua CEO says the franchise’s economic impact has grown, citing ANZ research putting Drua’s 2025 contribution to Fiji GDP at about $108m. Diplomacy & Development: Israel opened its Suva embassy, with Fiji’s PM saying it could support climate resilience, renewable energy, water security, and technology-based cooperation, while protests continue over Gaza.

Fiji–Israel Development Push: PM Sitiveni Rabuka calls Israel’s Suva embassy opening the start of a “golden era,” pointing to potential help in health, digital transformation, cybersecurity, agriculture and food security, while stressing Fiji won’t be militarily involved. Regional Shipping for Climate Finance: Pacific transport leaders are set to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to unlock Green Climate Fund support for low-carbon vessels and reduce diesel dependence. Fiji Agriculture Boost: A new tractor and disc harrow under the iTaukei Business Support Fund is set to lift productivity for a Ra farmer, targeting higher output and better rural incomes. Community Forestry Returns to Work: Lakeba pine harvesting begins this week after machinery is handed to Lakeba Nexus Limited, with the first phase focused on poles and posts for export. Biosecurity Warning from Abroad: Fiji’s coconut pest-control fly program is cited as a cautionary tale after invasive species introductions helped wipe out native insects. Tourism Connectivity: Fiji Airways reinstates Nadi–Nouméa service from 22 Sept 2026, adding 10,000+ seats annually to support travel and trade. Media Costs Pressure: Pacific broadcasters warn rising sports and entertainment rights costs are forcing more regional content-sharing and joint acquisitions.

Fiji Airways Connectivity: Fiji Airways reinstates its Nadi–Nouméa direct service from 22 September 2026, twice weekly on ATR 72-600s, adding 10,000+ seats annually to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links. Farming Boost: A new tractor and disc harrow under the iTaukei Business Support Fund is set to lift productivity for a Ra farmer, cutting reliance on costly hired machinery. Climate & Energy Pressure: Fiji’s climate commitments are described as ambitious under its updated NDCs, but implementation hinges on faster tech, partnerships and support. Land Monitoring for Resilience: Fiji government agencies trained with SPC’s Digital Earth Pacific to use satellite data for land-use and ecosystem monitoring, strengthening evidence-led planning. Regional Shipping for Climate Finance: Pacific transport ministers are set to launch the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, aiming to unlock Green Climate Fund support for low-carbon vessels and reduce diesel dependence. Local Industry & Trade Standards: Fiji moves to strengthen national standards development with Standards Australia, building quality infrastructure to support market access and safer trade. Lakeba Pine Harvest: After decades of delays, Lakeba’s pine plantations begin harvesting this week via Lakeba Nexus Limited, with the first phase focused on poles and posts for export. Israel–Fiji Development Ties: Israel’s embassy opening in Suva is paired with offers of cooperation via MASHAV and broader development support, while protests continue over human-rights concerns. Sports Business Impact: Drua’s match vs the Highlanders won’t be live on TV, with ticket sales pushed to ensure a strong crowd.

Fuel Relief Pressure: Taxi operators in Savusavu say regulated fuel prices have made long-distance routes uneconomic, pushing fares up and forcing a shift to shorter runs. Cost-of-Living Impact: Vendors report higher fuel costs are lifting fresh produce prices and shrinking market supply, squeezing households. Energy Resilience: Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu community leaders completed hands-on solar training to install and maintain PV systems, aiming to cut dependence on imported diesel. Trade & Standards: Fiji moves to strengthen national standards and quality infrastructure with Standards Australia to improve market access and competitiveness. Land Monitoring: Government agencies trained to use satellite data for land-use and ecosystem monitoring to support climate-resilient planning. Health Procurement: SK Bioscience won its first UNICEF flu vaccine contract, with shipments planned for Fiji and other countries. Diplomacy & Security Tech: Israel’s new Suva embassy opens as Fiji’s PM Rabuka highlights cooperation in health, digital transformation, cybersecurity, agriculture and organised-crime response. Regional Shipping/Ports: The Quad’s renewed focus includes port infrastructure and energy security initiatives that could reshape Pacific supply chains.

Energy & Cost of Living: Fiji’s Reserve Bank warns growth is still sliding as global US–Iran conflict lifts fuel costs, tightens credit, and follows an EFL electricity tariff hike, while inflation edges up with fuel and food pressures hitting households and vendors. Fuel Relief Debate: Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says the government should cut fuel VAT now after admitting an Australia $47m grant won’t go to direct relief. Community Solar Push: 350.org and ICSC trained Pacific Solar Scholars and installed PV systems in Sigatoka and Lautoka to cut reliance on imported diesel. Food Supply Strain: Rising fuel costs are pushing up fresh produce prices and reducing market supply as farmers and vendors struggle with higher irrigation, fertiliser and transport costs. Trade & Exports: Foreign Trade Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says export growth depends on consistent local supply and improved standards, with planned market visits to Australia and New Zealand. Infrastructure & Security: The Quad’s Fiji port plan and broader Indo-Pacific infrastructure push keep spotlight on ports, logistics and critical minerals amid China competition. Governance & Resources: Constitution Review Commission consultations heard calls to reconsider State ownership of minerals under iTaukei land and to set an election age limit. Business & Retail: Bunnings Pacific launches an online store for 20,000+ hardware and home products delivered to Fiji.

Fuel Shock: Fiji’s Competition and Consumer Commission says diesel and petrol jump again from June 1, with diesel up as much as 80 cents/litre and LPG cylinders rising sharply, hitting households and transport costs. Fuel Relief Debate: Opposition MP Ketan Lal calls for immediate removal of fuel taxes, while Dialogue Fiji urges a temporary fuel duty cut, arguing government revenue rises as pump prices climb. Road Integrity: Fiji Roads Authority warns vandalism, theft and accidents are damaging government-funded assets on the Labasa–Savusavu Highway, pushing up repair burdens for taxpayers. Energy Independence Training: Pacific officials from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu train in solar installation and maintenance under the Solar Scholars Initiative as fuel costs keep rising. Tourism Regulation: Fiji enacts the Tourism Act 2026, replacing the 1973 law and expanding rules for hotels, resorts, tour operators, community tourism and short-term rentals, with stronger standards and community participation. Beche-de-mer Boost: The beche-de-mer harvesting season is extended by eight months (June 1, 2026–Jan 31, 2027) to support rural and maritime incomes. Quad Ports & Minerals: Quad foreign ministers announce new Indo-Pacific infrastructure and energy security moves, including plans to work with Fiji on port infrastructure and critical minerals partnerships. Business Link: Bunnings Pacific launches an online store for over 20,000 hardware and home improvement products, with delivery from Australia.

Fuel shock: Fiji’s Competition and Consumer Commission says diesel and petrol jump again from 1 June, with diesel up to 77–80 cents/litre and petrol up around 80 cents/litre, while LPG also rises sharply (12kg cylinders up about $9 on Viti Levu/Vanua Levu; more in outer islands). Fuel tax debate: Opposition MP Ketan Lal urges the government to remove fuel taxes, arguing higher diesel hits food, goods and services. Energy independence push: Pacific leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu train locally to install and maintain solar systems as fuel costs keep climbing. Roads under threat: Fiji Roads Authority warns vandalism, theft and accidents are damaging government road assets on the Labasa–Savusavu Highway. Tourism law update: Fiji enacts the Tourism Act 2026, replacing the 1973 law and expanding rules for hotels, tour operators, community tourism and short-term rentals. Rural livelihoods: Beche-de-mer harvesting is extended by eight months (June 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027) to support coastal incomes. Climate risk: Sea-level rise could cost Fiji up to 2.6% of GDP annually without major action. Quad ports plan: Quad foreign ministers announce Fiji as the first Pacific beneficiary for a port infrastructure initiative, alongside maritime surveillance and energy security moves.

Fuel & LPG Shock: Fiji’s diesel and petrol jump again from June 1, with diesel up to 77–80 cents a litre and LPG hikes hitting households hard, including a 12kg cylinder rising by $9.02 on Viti/Vanua Levu and even more in outer islands. Cost-of-living Politics: Opposition MP Ketan Lal calls for fuel tax removal, warning higher diesel will lift prices for food, goods and essential services. Waste-to-Energy Push: TNG Fiji’s Ratu Qativi Robert Cromb backs a proposed $1.4b Vuda waste-to-energy project, arguing Fiji can’t “navigate” to the future on diesel and open landfills. Fisheries Income Boost: Beche-de-mer harvesting is extended by eight months (June 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027) to support rural and maritime livelihoods. Quad Ports for Fiji: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi backed a “Ports of the Future” partnership, with Fiji set to be the first Pacific country to pilot joint port infrastructure. Digital Agriculture Rollout: Government says the National E-Agriculture Strategy is nearing completion, with $115m allocated for digital farming, market access and capital support—though rural connectivity and skills gaps remain risks. Mahogany Bill 2026: A new Mahogany Industry Bill aims to give landowners a bigger share via a Mahogany Forum, Tribunal and an Equitable Benefit Fund, including a 20% shareholding transfer to the Fiji Mahogany Trust. Education Skills Shift: A former educator urges more vocational and non-formal learning in schools to match students’ practical strengths and reduce dropouts. Drug Bust Update: Fiji’s largest cocaine seizure (valued at $3b) was linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, with trafficking routes discussed at a Transnational Crime Summit. Election Readiness: The Elections Office flags information management, operational readiness and public confidence as key challenges ahead of the next General Election.

Fiji Digital Agriculture Rollout: Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy is nearing completion, moving from pilots to nationwide digital farming systems, but officials warn rural connectivity, digital skills and coordination could slow delivery; the government has earmarked FJD 115m (2025–26) for digital agriculture, market access and capital support, with a UN FAO-backed platform linking farmers, processors and tourism buyers. Energy Cost Pressure: The Reserve Bank of Fiji flags rising global fuel costs as a major risk, feeding inflation and household pressure, with electricity tariff and fuel changes likely to add more strain. Quad Ports of the Future: The US, Japan, India and Australia’s Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi backed a first joint port infrastructure project in Fiji, alongside maritime surveillance and critical minerals/energy initiatives—positioned as practical Indo-Pacific cooperation. Mahogany Industry Bill 2026: Parliament hears the Mahogany Industry Bill will strengthen landowner returns via a Mahogany Forum, Mahogany Tribunal and an equitable benefit fund, including a 20% Fiji Hardwood Corporation share transfer to the Fiji Mahogany Trust. Fiji Airways FlyWell: Fiji Airways launches FlyWell wellness for passengers and crew from 1 June, starting with Business Class and Premier Lounge access. Power Reliability Watch: EFL reports unplanned outages rose in 2025 (1,829) though restoration times improved, while a $522.66m grid upgrade plan targets stronger supply stability. Workforce Gap: 202 registered teachers still await placement as of May 25, with the biggest shortfall in early childhood education.

Quad Ports Deal: The US, Japan, India and Australia unveiled plans to jointly invest in Fiji port infrastructure, with experts saying Fiji’s location makes it a natural logistics hub and a way to reduce reliance on China-linked supply chains. Energy & Grid Reliability: Fiji’s power reliability remains under strain as Energy Fiji Limited reported unplanned outages rising in 2025, even as restoration times improved; EFL also outlined a $522.66m capital push to strengthen the grid. Agriculture Digital Rollout: Government says Fiji’s National E-Agriculture Strategy is nearing completion, with $115m allocated to scale digital farming and market access—while warning rural connectivity and skills gaps could slow delivery. Forestry Reform: The Mahogany Industry Bill 2026 aims to boost landowner returns via a Mahogany Forum, a Mahogany Tribunal, and a Landowner Equitable Benefit Fund, including a 20% shareholding transfer to a land trust. Fuel Cost Pressure: The Reserve Bank of Fiji flags fragile economic conditions as global oil and food prices feed inflation and household costs. Jobs & Skills: Youth leaders urge Fiji to reduce reliance on imported Bangladeshi workers, arguing local training and induction are key to opening opportunities for Fijian youths. Sports: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Super Rugby Pacific season ended with a 45-24 loss to the Queensland Reds.

Indo-Pacific Ports & Minerals: Australia, India, Japan and the US (Quad) say they’ll jointly develop Fiji port infrastructure, citing Pacific port capacity gaps, alongside new maritime surveillance and critical minerals/energy security initiatives—while India also insists the Quad is “not against any country” after China’s bloc-confrontation criticism. Power Reliability: Fiji’s grid is under strain as unplanned electricity outages rose to 1,829 in 2025 (from 1,656 in 2024), though average restoration time improved; EFL flagged a $522.66m 2025–26 capital program to upgrade substations, transmission and generation. Tourism Overhaul: Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, setting up a National Tourism Council, national standards and a tourism fund aimed at protecting culture and backing community-based operators. Fuel Cost Pressure: Fiji is preparing further measures to cushion households and businesses from rising global fuel costs, with pricing still driven by international market data. Skills & Jobs: Youth leaders urge Fiji to reduce reliance on imported Bangladeshi workers in construction and transport, arguing local youths can be trained for blue-collar roles. Regional Shipping Shift: Pacific ministers are set to meet in the Marshall Islands to push low-carbon shipping plans, including national action plans and a possible $300m Green Climate Fund proposal. Diplomacy: Israel is expected to open a resident embassy in Suva as ties deepen across security, climate adaptation and agriculture.

Quad & Ports: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build a port in Fiji and signed pacts on critical minerals and Indo-Pacific energy security, with the move framed as practical momentum for the Quad. Tourism Reform: Fiji’s Parliament passed the Tourism Bill 2026, overhauling tourism rules after more than 50 years, setting up a National Tourism Council, national standards and a Tourism Fund for infrastructure, training and community-based operators. Fuel & Cost of Living: The Reserve Bank of Fiji warned inflation risks from higher fuel and food prices, while government says it’s preparing extra support measures as oil prices stay volatile. Teacher Shortage: 202 registered teachers are still awaiting placement as of 25 May, with the biggest gap in early childhood education (128). Workforce Debate: Fiji’s youth council president urged the government to minimise Bangladeshi worker imports, arguing it can squeeze local youth job opportunities in trades and transport. Blue-economy Finance: Fiji launched the Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund to help small businesses overcome funding barriers and build climate-resilient growth. Diplomacy: Israel is expected to open a resident embassy in Suva as ties expand in security, climate adaptation, agriculture and emerging technologies.