The president of Tonga's bus association says its members refuse to return to work if the government continues to deny their request for lower diesel prices.
Samipeni Finau says it's unfair that bus owners have to pay 1.61 US dollars per litre when fishing vessels and interisland ferries only have to pay 1.21 US dollars.
The Friendly Island Bus Association began their strike yesterday involving 52 bus owners who operate 83 buses around the island.
Mr Finau says the members will meet every day at a local hall in Veitongo during the strike.
"More than fifty percent of the income in one day is only for the fuel. Bus owners feel not good about what the government (has done). But now we stand together with all the drivers and the bus owners, what we are thinking the government can do for us."
Samipeni Finau, president of The Friendly Island Bus Association.