Due to the combined effects of higher international prices, reduced freight rates, and weaker Pa'anga, the wholesale petrol, kerosene and diesel prices increased this month. As a result, the retail prices in Tongatapu also increased.
The wholesale petrol, kerosene and diesel prices increased by 6.12, 12.81 and 14.33 seniti per litre respectively.
The retail price of petrol, kerosene and diesel for Tongatapu increased from $3.25/litre to $3.30/litre, $2.45/litre to $2.55litre, $3.25/litre to $3.40/litre, respectively.
The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED) advised that the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) approved these new petroleum prices for March, effective from 3 Monday.
The March 2025 price change is based on the January 2025 average of published daily Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) benchmark prices for product prices and freight, along with that month’s exchange rate. The recommended wholesale prices have been calculated using 2024 Annual and Triennial Review decisions approved by the TCA at their meetings no.6/24 and no.7/24 on the 1st of August, and 10th October 2024 and the Envisory updated price template using suppliers’ submission on the October normal monthly review.
Crude oil prices climbed above US$80/bbl mid-January but settled lower on US$77/bbl by the end of the month, with a the average Brent crude price for the month was US$78.35/bbl, representing a 7.3% increase compared to December.
Within Asia-Pacific, the expectation of increased demand for petrol and jet cargoes arising from the threat of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican crude supplies has seen Singapore refiner margins and refined product prices rise. However, unfavourable export opportunities for diesel cargoes from the Middle East to Europe has increased diesel exports into the Asia-Pacific region, putting downward pressure on Singapore refiner margins.
The significant increase in crude oil price is the primary contributor to all product prices increasing in January, with the Tongan pa'anga continuing to weaken against the US dollar by approximately one percent, also having an impact, MTED stated.
Consumption tax is included in all price changes.
Download Petroleum Prices for March 2025 
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