Fuel shortage

Gov’t looking for alternative fuel supply

As the Minister responsible for aviation policy, aviation safety and aviation security, Walter Schnaubelt was compelled to update the country on the current state of affairs in relation to Jet A1 Fuel supplies.
 
“I sympathize with the citizens and public business community and appeal to you all for your patience whilst the government is working on alternate fuel supply,” Schnaubelt said.
 

Fuel crisis hits Madang

Fears are growing for business houses, PMV operators and other entities in Madang province that rely on fuel to do business.

Pressure is now on Mobil Oil (PNG) Ltd retailers who get supplies from Islands Petroleum to supply fuel to meet the demand of the province.

Currently in Madang, there are only four retailers associated with supplying the Mobil fuel brand which are Rookes Marine Repairs, HandyMart, Sagalau and 4-mile service stations. 

Madang residents urged to be conscious of movements

“We are in the red now but will try our best to provide as much service as possible to our people until fuel is made available,” he stated.

Acting Superintendent Baim acknowledged that the Royal PNG Constabulary headquarters are paying for fuel but the low supply in Madang’s fuel stations are only making matters worse.

Apart from fuel scarcity, Madang is also experiencing water and power shortages.

“Fuel, power and water are the main basic sources of life every human being is entitled to,” he emphasised.

Locals report fuel shortage in Kiunga

Locals in Kiunga have confirmed that two fuel stations at Pajawi and Kiunga have run out since the beginning of this month.

Aron Bale, who is a resident of Western Province, attributed the situation to the continuous dry spell that has caused the Fly River stage to decrease, preventing cargo ships from anchoring at the port.

“No more PMV services are provided because there’s no fuel and it’s really hot in Kiunga Town area and surrounding villages,” he said.

The prices of store goods and bus fares have also tripled, forcing locals to spend more.

Auckland fuel crisis: More flights cancelled, tankers brought in

A pipeline that supplies fuel to the airport was closed over the weekend after a leak was discovered on Thursday. It has caused dozens of flights in and out of the city to be delayed or cancelled.

Up to 80,000 litres of jet fuel - or about two tanker loads - spilled from the pipeline at Ruakaka, about 130km north of Auckland.

It was damaged by a digger operating on a farm.

Auckland Airport said 28 flights have been cancelled today, up from 14 yesterday.

PM office blames fuel crisis on predecessors

A spokesman said that the government was talking with other fuel suppliers in an effort to fill the current gap while talks continue with the major supply from, Puma Energy.

He asked the people to bear with the short term situation as the matter was resolved in “the interests of the people of the nation’’.

Supplies to most parts of the capital city dried up today, with only limited stocks of fuel being sold by Mobil at Waigani and Port Moresby. Puma told the Loop PNG that it was a result of the inability to exchange large amounts of kina for US dollars.