By Katalina Siasau
Concerns over high fuel prices, government spending priorities, overtime allocations, and a proposed school breakfast programme, dominated deliberations of the House yesterday, as members scrutinised the national budget this week, at the Parliament Chamber in Nuku’alofa.
Dr. ‘Aisake Eke, Tongatapu People’s Representative No. 5 questioned whether the budget adequately addresses pressing economic concerns, particularly rising fuel prices.
He also expressed concern over the cost of fuel, noting that prices for June had reached $5 per litre and $6 per litre in the Niuas.
“This budget does not directly address the fuel issue. While $18 million has been allocated to electricity, there is no clear provision to tackle rising fuel costs."
Her was referring to the government's $18 million paʻanga that has been allocated to subsidise electricity costs for all households.
However, Dr. Eke argued that the government should intervene by setting a fixed price or introducing subsidies to ease the burden on consumers.
Tongatapu People’s Representative No. 7, Hon. Piveni Piukala, noted the fuel price increases were not reflected in the projected government revenue in the budget.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister for Customs and Inland Revenue, Hon. Sevenitini Toumoʻua, said the increase in fuel prices was due to the global fuel crisis.
"The increase in fuel prices is being driven by global factors and remains beyond Tonga’s control," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Viliami Latu added that ongoing global conflicts continued to disrupt supply chains and complicate efforts by the Competent Authority to respond to the crisis.
Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua responded that approximately $30 million in revenue would add on to the deficit if excise duty on fuel were reduced.
The PM also noted that fuel supply for June, July, and August remained at a “green level”, but acknowledged uncertainty ahead.
Dr. Eke criticised what he described as a “wait and see” approach by the PM and his government.
He urged stronger government intervention to address rising fuel costs.
$11 million overtime allocation
Dr. Eke also questioned the budget’s $11 million allocation for overtime salaries, arguing that the amount should be reduced.
His main concern was "unnecessary" allocations in the 2026 budget.
In response, the PM defended the expenditure, noting that approximately $8 million of the allocation is designated for overtime pay for nurses and doctors.
“These figures are accurate. A significant portion of the allocation reflects the overtime shifts being worked by nurses and healthcare staff.”
He was frustrated with the loss of skilled workers across sectors, particularly in healthcare.
Free school breakfast
Another point of debate was the proposed $1.5 million allocation for a Free Breakfasts for Schools programme.
The PM defended the initiative, saying research shows breakfast plays an important role in children’s learning outcomes.
He added that regardless of whether children eat at home, schools should support students who may not have access to food.
“While feeding children is primarily a parental responsibility, we cannot ignore students who may be going to school without food at home.”
Minister for Education Hon. Dr. Moʻale ʻOtunuku supported the programme, describing it as an urgent need. He referenced UNICEF’s report, Multidimensional Child Poverty in Tonga, which found that one in four children in Tonga experience one or more forms of poverty, including inadequate housing and poor nutrition.
He said more than 5,000 students attend school without access to basic necessities.
Dr. Eke questioned the reliability of the survey findings and called for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and communities to better understand the realities facing families.
He said he intended to work closely with his constituency on the issue.
The PM also acknowledged a lack of reliable statistics in Tonga.
Meanwhile, Haʻapai People’s Representative No. 12 highlighted practical needs in schools, including printers, laptops, and lawn mowers.
The Speaker of the House urged the government to hear from members about issues affecting the outer islands during the budget debate.
The House must pass the national budget before 1 July 2026.
