The government says national fuel supplies remain stable, but consumers should expect price increases in the coming months due to ongoing reliance on imported fuel.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua told a press conference today that discussions with suppliers TotalEnergies and Pacific Energy confirm sufficient fuel stocks for at least the next two months. He said recent deliveries and scheduled tanker arrivals indicate a steady supply, easing concerns following last year’s disruptions.

Pacific Energy’s most recent tanker arrived last week, with another due on 24 March, while TotalEnergies is expected to deliver its next shipment on 31 March. PM Fakafanua noted that last year’s shortage was caused by damage to a tanker, delaying multiple shipments, circumstances he said do not apply this year.

Despite this, officials confirmed that fuel prices will rise. Distaquaine Tu’ihalamaka, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, told reporters April and May price reviews would be managed to avoid sharp spikes, but increases are “certain” due to global supply costs. Tonga imports fuel via Singapore and Fiji with little control on market rates.

Tonga Power CEO Scott Westbury told the media the utility has sufficient reserves and contingency plans in place. Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Viliami Tu’ihalamaka, also present during the media briefing, warned against fuel hoarding, citing safety risks and legal limits on storage.

The government has activated preparedness measures under its disaster management framework, currently at Level One. Authorities say stricter controls, including rationing, could be introduced if conditions worsen.

While the current fuel prices are at one of the lowest rates so far, they are reviewed monthly and typically reflect international oil benchmarks, freight costs and exchange rate movements. 

However, the current situation is unusual following the US-Israel attack on Iran with uncertainty on the issue being resolved in the near future.