The inter- island shipping industry needs to be regulated to improve their services says Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Speaking at the Post 2018 Budget Consultation in Savusavu yesterday, Sayed-Khaiyum says the government is aware of the various issues businesses and the public face regarding inter-island shipping services.

Sayed-Khaiyum says this is an area the Fiji Competition and Commerce Commission needs to look at.

“When you have businesses that have a monopolistic or duopolistic position in the market, they can dictate price too. So, in the same way, for example when we have one or two suppliers of a particular commodity, then we price control it. So perhaps that’s what needs to be done."

Concerns were raised during the Budget Consultation about a particular inter island shipping that always has incorrect or delayed boat schedules, charging higher boat fares, increased cargo fees and overcrowding.

Over the weekend more than 100 passengers of an inter-island ferry were left stranded at the Savusavu Wharf due to the delay in shipping schedule.