AGP Executive Report

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.

Tourism Reform: Fiji’s Parliament has passed the Tourism Bill 2026, overhauling outdated rules from 1973 with a National Tourism Council, national standards, and a Tourism Fund aimed at sustainability, investment, and protecting indigenous culture. Fuel Cost Relief: Government says it’s preparing extra measures to cushion households and businesses from rising global fuel costs, while noting fuel pricing remains independent and new June prices will follow international data. Energy Stability Watch: PM Rabuka says Fiji’s power supply is secure after EFL deferred planned nationwide power rationing, with “logistical costs” flagged as the main issue. Pacific Plastic Push: Samoan and Pacific community groups protested Coca-Cola’s largest bottler, urging a shift away from single-use plastic and back to reusable packaging. Quad Ports & Minerals: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to jointly build a port in Fiji and launch initiatives on Indo-Pacific energy security and critical minerals, signaling renewed infrastructure and supply-chain focus. Blue Economy Finance: Fiji launched the Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund to help MSMEs in blue/green/climate-resilient sectors access financing and technical support. Agri Diversification: Fiji is moving to diversify agriculture as the food import bill tops $1.18b, with an EU-backed feasibility study to identify new high-value crops and livestock options. Local Resource Protection: Lomaiviti leaders called for stronger protection of natural resources, citing pollution, illegal fishing, drugs, and rising fuel costs hitting island communities.

Quad Ports & Minerals: Australia, India, Japan and the US agreed to build/upgrade a Fiji port and launch new Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance, plus critical minerals and energy security initiatives after foreign ministers met in New Delhi. Energy Stability in Fiji: PM Rabuka said planned nationwide power rationing was deferred and any future measures will be “softened” because supply is not the issue—logistics costs are. Tourism Growth & Reform: Fiji reported 276,701 visitor arrivals in the first four months, up 4.6%, while a new Tourism Bill 2026 aims to modernise regulation and spread benefits to rural and maritime communities. Blue Economy Finance: Fiji launched the Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund to help MSMEs overcome financing barriers and build climate-resilient growth, with technical support for farmers, fishers, women and youth. Agri Diversification Push: Agriculture plans a feasibility study (with EU support) to diversify beyond sugarcane into higher-value crops and livestock as the food import bill tops $1.18b. Local Resource Protection: Lomaiviti leaders called for stronger protection of natural resources amid pollution, illegal fishing, drugs and rising fuel costs hitting island communities. Business Opportunity: Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 opened applications for agrifood innovators targeting Small Island Developing States, including Fiji. Sports Funding Ask: Parliament urged government support and tax incentives for Bula FC’s OFC Pro League debut.

Quad Ports of the Future: Australia, India, Japan and the US unveiled a Fiji port infrastructure pilot under the Quad, alongside a new Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance push and an energy security plan that includes a strategic crude reserve and emergency oil response. Energy & fuel pressure: Energy Fiji deferred planned power rationing after a fuel surcharge approval, while Cabinet is set to consider a fuel subsidy proposal for the cane sector to protect harvesting and transport ahead of crushing. Biosecurity for agriculture: Fiji is upgrading crop protection with stronger port inspections, risk-based screening, digital permits and tougher lab capacity to detect pests and diseases faster. Vanua Levu development: The Na Vualiku project is progressing with solar plans for public buildings, waste management, airport planning and tourism infrastructure support, with MSME and community-based tourism grants moving toward June 2026 capacity building. Pacific media & tourism industry: Fiji will host the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu (21–25 Sept 2026), and Fiji also won the bid to host SPTE 2027, reinforcing its role as a regional trade and tourism hub.

Quad Deal-Making: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi agreed to launch an Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance initiative with a “common operating picture,” expand maritime domain awareness, and back a Fiji port pilot—while also finalising a Quad Critical Minerals Framework and an Indo-Pacific energy security push aimed at reducing supply-chain shocks. Fiji in the Spotlight: The Fiji port plan is now the bloc’s first shared infrastructure move in the Pacific, with undersea cable connectivity also flagged. China Pushback: Beijing warned the Quad risks “bloc confrontation,” while the Quad said it’s focused on free, open, rule-based Indo-Pacific stability. Local Watch: Fiji meanwhile is tightening crop biosecurity—upgrading port inspections, digitalising permits, and strengthening labs—while Energy Fiji deferred planned power rationing after a fuel surcharge approval, though the fuel crisis pressure remains.

Indo-Pacific Pivot to Fiji Ports: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi just unveiled their biggest Pacific infrastructure move yet: a port project in Fiji, paired with a new critical-minerals framework and an energy-security push aimed at reducing reliance on China-linked supply chains. Maritime Surveillance Upgrade: The group also launched an Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance initiative to integrate monitoring and share near real-time information, alongside expanded maritime domain awareness and a plan for a common operating picture. Energy Shock Response: With the Strait of Hormuz under strain, Quad members stressed “unimpeded” shipping and announced a Quad fuel security forum later this year. China Pushback: China’s foreign ministry hit back, warning against “bloc confrontation” after the Quad’s announcements. What’s Next for Fiji: Officials gave no financial or timeline details, but the message was clear—port capacity and minerals supply resilience are now central to Quad planning for the region.

Water Security Boost: Nasealevu Settlement in Macuata has commissioned a solar-powered groundwater system for 37 households after decades of drought-hit wells and a stream-fed catchment. Cybercrime Warning: A Pacific expert says expanding cables, mobile networks and digital payments are creating fresh opportunities for fraud, ransomware and identity theft—plus “state-adjacent” cyber risks. COP Cost Clash: Australia’s Chris Bowen and Dan Tehan are trading barbs over COP31 travel and staffing spending, with Bowen defending the $150m-plus climate role while critics call it a vanity project. Power Rationing Deferred: Energy Fiji Limited has postponed planned June 1 rationing after a temporary fuel surcharge was approved, but bills and supply pressures remain. Health Investment: Fiji is set to build its first radiotherapy centre in Suva under a Pacific Health Transformation plan. Regional Diplomacy: Korea–Pacific senior officials met in Nadi to push climate, maritime and economic resilience priorities. Market Watch: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel warns retailers against illegal price hikes as monitoring ramps up.

Reef Harvest Backlash: Australia is facing fresh scrutiny after reports that up to 190 tonnes of live coral are taken from the Great Barrier Reef each year for export to private aquariums, despite bans elsewhere and warnings that the trade is happening while reefs are already under mass bleaching pressure. Fiji Business Resilience: In Fiji, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation launched a Business Resilience Toolkit to help companies plan for cyclones, flooding and economic shocks—highlighting that most MSMEs are hit by disasters at least yearly. Sugar Support: The Sugar Cane Growers Fund rolled out its SCGF 5Si savings-and-insurance scheme for cane growers, with mobile-money-linked loans and further digital tools planned through 2026. Transport Cost Pressure: Fiji’s taxi fare review is underway as the FCCC assesses how rising fuel and electricity costs should be handled, while bus fare increases are being cushioned by government. Governance in Focus: In court, Telecom Fiji ex-director Sanjay Kaba is seeking corruption charges dismissed, arguing prosecutors failed to show direct links to alleged misuse of confidential information.

Courtroom Fight: Defence says there’s “no case to answer” against former Telecom Fiji (TFL) director Sanjay Kaba, arguing prosecutors failed to directly link him to alleged misuse of confidential information tied to a TFL office and data centre procurement—while noting he resigned from the board before the Expression of Interest was issued. Energy & Cost of Living: Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu is pushing Energy Fiji Limited to investigate complaints over high bills, including claims meters aren’t being read properly and some charges may be estimated. Transport Pressure: The FCCC is assessing taxi fare increases as fuel costs bite; bus fare relief is being absorbed by government, but minibus operators say they were left out. Policy & Governance: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel ruled out broad fuel tax relief, defending the fuel pricing approach used by the FCCC as rules-based and warning full removal would drain over $150m needed for essential services. Community & Growth: Fiji leads a housing resilience push under Habitat for Humanity’s Pacific work, and FBC will stream the National Schools Age Group Swimming Championships on Viti+.