The fate of Fiji’s long-awaited municipal elections remains unclear, with the Government refusing to give a clear commitment on whether the polls will proceed as scheduled.

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has today defended its fuel pricing methodology, saying adjustments made during the April pricing cycle were necessary to protect consumers amid unprecedented global fuel market volatility.

Pacific nations are being warned that surging global fuel prices, escalating Middle East tensions and worsening climate pressures are tightening government finances and pushing up the cost of living across the region, with growth expected to slow further.

Climate change is becoming an increasing threat to Fiji’s sugar industry, with farmers now being urged to diversify crops to strengthen food and income security.

Women in the Pacific must be guaranteed workplaces free from violence, harassment and discrimination.

Energy Fiji Limited has warned that Fiji could face controlled load shedding or nationwide power rationing from next month if urgent fuel cost recovery support is not secured.

The Fijian Elections Office has not received any instruction to halt preparations for the upcoming Municipal Elections despite comments by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka that the government is reconsidering whether the polls should proceed in September.

Members of the Adi Shakti Nav Durga Mata Mandir on Kanace Road in Valelevu are appealing for public assistance following a break-in that left the temple damaged and more than $2,000 worth of property stolen.

A former Assistant Provincial Treasurer of the Kadavu Provincial Council has been sentenced to 13 months imprisonment by the Suva Magistrates Court.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is calling for stronger enforcement powers and legislative reforms to address persistent non-compliance issues.

Pacific leaders have been urged to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime as growing threats such as drug trafficking, cybercrime and money laundering continue to impact the region.

Internationally renowned cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Sanjeev Kumar Khulbey says the rising burden of heart disease across Fiji and the wider Pacific, and the hardship faced by families forced to seek treatment overseas, drove his decision to begin performing open-heart surgeries locally.