State of the Nation Address
Ni sa bula vinaka and good evening to all Fijians,
This address serves as an update from our first national briefing last Friday.
First, I wish to update the nation on the current situation regarding Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.
As of 6am this morning, Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is currently over Kadavu and is expected to clear Fiji waters later this evening.
We are already experiencing the impact of this system, with severe flooding reported in Nadi, Lautoka, and parts of the Central Division.
At this time:
We are grateful that there have been no reports of fatalities
Government Response to Cyclone Vaianu
Government has moved quickly to respond.
Recovery and Next Steps
As the system moves away from Fiji, our focus shifts to recovery:
We also acknowledge the support of our humanitarian and donor partners, who are on standby to assist if needed.
The Government has already ensured that $5 million is available through the NDMO Contingency Fund to support immediate response efforts, with further assistance to be determined once full assessments are completed within the next 48 hours.
We also wish to clarify that while schools were closed for safety, USP operations remain open, and examinations will continue as scheduled.
Now I turn to our update since our first national briefing last Friday. At that time, we introduced the Fiji National Fuel Emergency Action Plan, and outlined phase by phase the steps we would take to prepare our country.
Today, I confirm that Fiji remains in Phase One — Preparedness and Responsible Use.
This means that while the situation is serious, it is still under control.
Fuel remains available, and there is no immediate shortage.
However, global developments require us to stay alert, act responsibly, and prepare for possible escalation.
Global Security Update: Middle East Situation
The situation in the Middle East has escalated significantly in recent hours.
We are closely monitoring developments following military action targeting key oil infrastructure and the continued closure of major global shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. There are also emerging threats to other critical maritime corridors.
These developments are not distant events—they directly affect global fuel supply chains, and therefore, they affect Fiji.
At this time, 682 Fijians are in the Middle East, and we are deeply concerned for their safety. Government has allocated close to $2 million for their evacuation, if necessary. Government is also actively engaging international partners to provide evacuation support.
We assure all families that the safety and wellbeing of our people overseas remains our top priority.
Fuel Security and National Supply
Fiji currently has above 50 per cent of fuel supply.
Shipments already secured will carry us to the end of May. However, beyond that, the situation becomes uncertain if global supply routes remain disrupted.
We are already seeing pressure on global supply chains. If key shipping routes remain closed, supply into our region will tighten significantly within the next few weeks.
I want to reassure the nation:
Fuel is still available. There is NO immediate shortage.
However, to be clear—increased consumption and unnecessary stockpiling are already putting pressure on our national reserves.
What This Means for Fuel Prices
Fijians should also understand what is happening globally.
The cost of fuel on the world market has already risen sharply—and it continues to rise.
The fuel we are using today was purchased at lower prices in previous months. But the fuel that will arrive in the coming weeks is being purchased at much higher global prices.
This means that fuel prices in Fiji are expected to increase further in the coming weeks if the global situation does not improve.
This is not unique to Fiji. It is a global reality affecting all countries.
National Response and Coordination
Government has activated a whole-of-government response to manage this situation.
The Fuel Advisory Committee, under the Fuel Controller, continues to lead national fuel security coordination.
In parallel, I can confirm that Cabinet, together with the National Disaster Management Office, has activated the Humanitarian Coordination Support for the fuel crisis.
This is to begin planning for, and responding to, any potential humanitarian impacts arising from this situation.
This coordination will operate through Fiji’s existing cluster system, bringing together government agencies, civil society, and international partners in a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
In simple terms, the Fiji Cluster System is a proven platform we use in times of national crisis. It allows all partners—both here at home and from overseas—to work together under Government leadership to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
This ensures that help is well coordinated, resources are used wisely, with no community left out.
At this stage, this remains a preparedness measure, not an emergency escalation.
International Engagement
Fiji is actively working with international partners to secure our fuel supply and protect our national interests.
We are engaged in discussions with Australia on fuel support and storage options. Regional coordination is also underway through the Pacific Islands Forum.
We are also engaging partners in the Middle East and beyond to support both fuel security and the safety of our citizens abroad.
This is a global issue, and Fiji is not facing it alone.
Economic Stability and National Priorities
We want to assure all Fijians that we are taking deliberate steps to protect our economy.
We will prioritise our key income-earning sectors, particularly tourism, to ensure that economic activities continue and livelihoods sustained.
At the same time, Fiji has maintained strong foreign exchange reserves sufficient for the next 12 to 18 months.
This means there is no threat of currency devaluation, and our financial system remains stable.
Government Announcements: Relief Measures
Tonight, I announce the following immediate measures to support our people and protect our economy:
Government will provide direct relief to bus operators to ensure fares remain stable as we encourage greater use of public transport. This is the main mode of transport for most Fijians, and we will protect it.
Government will subsidise diesel costs for Energy Fiji Limited to ensure stable and uninterrupted power supply across the country, keeping our homes, businesses, and essential services running.
Government will increase welfare assistance for our most vulnerable citizens, including additional support for those on social welfare and our elderly receiving pensions.
Government will consider reducing FNPF contributions for both employers and employees, subject to Parliamentary approval. This will help reduce costs for businesses and put more money directly into the pockets of workers during this difficult period.
Leading by Example
At a time like this, leadership must begin at the top.
I announce that a 20 percent pay cut for all Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and Members of Parliament will be put forward, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In addition, all overseas travel for Ministers and Assistant Ministers is stopped with immediate effect.
This is about sharing the burden and setting the example as we ask the nation to adjust and respond responsibly.
Government Leadership and Discipline
Government has already begun tightening its own operations following our first national address.
The following measures are now in effect across Government:
These are necessary steps to reduce costs, prioritise essential spending, and redirect resources toward managing this national situation.
This is about discipline, responsibility, and leadership at a time when our nation needs it most.
Fuel Management and Priorities
We must also be clear about priorities.
Fuel will be managed carefully to ensure that essential services continue without disruption—especially electricity generation, public transport, and critical economic activities.
Strategic decisions will be made to protect what matters most for our people and our economy.
Public Advisory
To every Fijian, I ask for your cooperation.
Use fuel wisely.
Avoid unnecessary travel.
Carpool where possible.
Use public transport where you can.
Reduce power usage in your homes.
Where possible, switch to solar lighting and explore solar technology in your homes and communities. Small changes like using solar lights can reduce pressure on both fuel and electricity demand.
Small actions by each of us will make a big difference for the whole country.
Communication and Transparency
Government will provide regular updates through official channels.
We are ensuring that there is a single, clear source of information so that the public can stay informed and avoid misinformation.
We ask everyone to rely on official updates and act responsibly.
Conclusion
Fiji has faced challenges before—and we have always overcome them by standing together.
This is another moment that calls for unity, discipline, and resilience.
We will navigate this situation with careful planning, strong partnerships, and clear leadership.
I ask all Fijians to remain calm, look after one another, and trust in our systems.
Let us also take a moment to pray for peace in the world, for the safety of our people overseas, and for the continued strength of our nation.
May God bless you all, and may God bless Fiji.
