Retail fuel prices have shot up across the outer islands, forcing motorists and households to bear more of the cost.

From Wednesday 5 November 2025, the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) has set petrol prices on Tongatapu at $3.15 per litre, kerosene at $2.40 and diesel at $3.20.

In more remote locations such as Niuafo‘ou the rates have climbed to as high as $4.05 for petrol and diesel, and $3.15 for kerosene.

These changes stem from monthly reviews carried out by the TCA under the Price & Wage Control Act to safeguard consumers and promote fair competition.

In recent months fuel costs had been falling. The retail petrol price in Tongatapu had dropped to $3.10 in June after earlier falls.

However, local analysts caution that outer-island rates remain higher due to increased transport, storage and distribution costs for remote communities.

For many households, fuels like kerosene are essential for cooking and lighting, so the burden of high prices can hit hardest.

The new rates will remain until the next review and may spark calls for targeted consumer relief.