The prices for petrol, kerosene, and diesel  increased on Tuesday, 3 December, and will remain until the next price adjustment in the new year. 

As approved by the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA), the wholesale prices for petrol will rise by 6.59 seniti per litre, while kerosene and diesel prices will increase by 7.35 and 7.50 seniti per litre, respectively.


Meanwhile, the retail price of petrol for Tongatapu will increase by 10 seniti/litre ($3.15 to $3.25), kerosene will increase by 5 seniti/litre ($2.35 to $2.40), while the retail diesel price will remain unchanged ($3.15).

This combination of higher international prices, a depreciated pa'anga exchange rate and increased freight costs resulted in the overall wholesale price increase.

The competent authority stated that these price changes are based on the October 2024 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 Review decisions approved by the TCA on 10 October 2024.

“Crude oil prices eased in October following an initial surge driven by geopolitical tensions. The average Brent crude price for October was USD75.31/bbl, marking a 3.5% increase compared to September. With rising crude oil prices during the month, refined product prices increased by 3–5%,” Tonga's Ministry of Trade and Economic Development stated.

With freight rates, medium range tankers in the Asia-Pacific region reversed their recent downward trend, increasing slightly in October due to higher bunker prices.

Meanwhile, the Tongan pa’anga weakened against the US dollar.

Consumption tax is included in all price changes.