The retail prices of petrol and diesel for Tongatapu will remain unchanged, while the price of kerosene dropped by 5 seniti/litre, the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED) advised. The new petroleum prices became effective this week, 1 July as approved by the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA).

The Tongan pa’anga strengthened slightly against the US dollar contributing to the price decreases.

Despite the increase in freight costs, the combined effects of lower international prices and a strengthened Tongan Pa’anga, wholesale fuel prices (inclusive of consumption tax) will decrease as follows:

• Petrol: down by 1.80 seniti per litre
• Kerosene: down by 6.18 seniti per litre
• Diesel: down by 5.55 seniti per litre

However, due to rounding up and down, the retail prices of petrol and diesel for Tongatapu will remain unchanged, while the price of kerosene dropped by 5 seniti/litre.

The July 2025 price change is based on the May 2025 average of the 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. The average Brend crude price for May was US$63.93/bbl.

Petrol prices increased relative to Brent crude between April and May.

Meanwhile, diesel prices decreased in May, following the same trend as Brent crude.

Kerosene prices decreased in May, following the same trend as Brent Crude.

Kerosene made some gains during the month on the expectations that the Japanese refinery outages would decrease supply.

These gains were offset due to concern that there would be a surge in Chinese export volumes.

Freight prices started the month low however they increased mid-month due to strong demand for cargo bookings following the tariff deal announcement between China and the US, back to levels seen early April.

Consumption tax is included in all price changes.