Apenisa Waqairadovu 
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the recent increase in fuel prices is unavoidable.
Speaking to FBC News, Rabuka said the new prices were set by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) in consultation with the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Transport.
He stressed that the government is not responsible for the increase, noting that the FCCC operates as an independent body.
Rabuka also clarified his earlier statement in which he said there would be no increase in fuel prices.
He explained that at the time of his comments, it would have been illegal to raise fuel prices.
The Prime Minister said the current increase is unavoidable, adding that the government is now looking at possible mitigating measures, with the Ministry of Finance already working on options.
