Fiji will receive $48 million in targeted budget support from Australia to help manage the impact of rising fuel prices, as global energy instability continues to affect the Pacific.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong made the announcement in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy this afternoon.

Wong says Fiji and other Pacific nations are being disproportionately affected by disruptions in global energy markets, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“We understand the extent to which this is being felt as a price shock in Fiji, and we want to provide our assistance.”

The funding is expected to support the Government’s efforts to stabilise fuel supply and cushion the economic impact on households and businesses. It will also reinforce Fiji’s role as a key fuel storage and distribution hub for neighbouring Pacific Island countries.

Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the support, highlighting the importance of coordinated regional action to address the ongoing fuel crisis.

“Our discussions emphasised the need to work together and strengthen the processes already in place to manage the issues confronting the region today, particularly in coordinating responses to the current fuel crisis.”

The assistance comes as Australia continues to engage with major energy-producing and trading partners in Asia to ensure consistent fuel supply to the Pacific. 

Wong recently travelled to countries including Japan, China, and South Korea, as well as Southeast Asia, advocating for stable energy flows into the region.

Wong reiterated that Australia remains a committed and reliable partner to Fiji and the wider Pacific, particularly during times of economic strain.