The Sugar Industry Tribunal has welcomed the Government’s $5 million fuel subsidy package, describing it as a timely measure to support growers and ensure the successful commencement of the 2026 crushing season.
In a statement, Registrar of the Tribunal Timothy Brown said the Tribunal met with the Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to discuss preparations ahead of the new season.
Brown said all parties acknowledged and welcomed the Government’s commitment to assisting the sugar industry.
“The institutions collectively acknowledged and welcomed the Government’s announcement of a $5.0 million fuel subsidy package for the Sugar Industry. The assistance is intended to cushion the impact of increased harvesting and transportation costs and support the timely commencement of harvesting operations.”
He said the subsidy would be paid directly to growers to offset approved harvesting and cartage costs under Government-approved rates.
According to Brown, truck and tractor operators will administer the subsidy through approved cartage and revised cartage rates based on average transport distances and tonnage, with details available through FSC sector offices.
He said the subsidy for mechanical harvesting was expected to provide a benefit of approximately $5 per tonne of cane mechanically harvested.
“The subsidy arrangement will take immediate effect, subject to the allocation of funds and the FCCC rate review process.”
Brown said eligible cane growers would receive the approved subsidy allocation through their cane delivery payments.
He added that harvesting and cartage rates would remain under review by the relevant authorities before 31 August 2026, taking into account prevailing industry conditions, operational costs, fuel prices and available subsidy funding.
The Registrar also confirmed that the Fiji Sugar Corporation had advised that crushing operations at the Lautoka, Rarawai and Labasa mills would commence on 1 July 2026.
Brown said the Tribunal remained committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure an efficient and successful crushing season while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of Fiji’s sugar industry.
He also urged farmers and gangs to convene gang meetings and submit their Memorandum of Gang Agreement (MOGA) forms to FSC sector offices as soon as possible in light of the Government’s subsidy programme.
