By Matangi Tonga reporters

Over five petrol stations in Tongatapu have run out of unleaded petrol (penisini) today, 4 December, including branches of Sonasi, Luna’eva, Konifelenisi and Cocker Ma'ufanga gas stations, as a shortage of supply continues into December.

A statement released by Sonasi Gas Station yesterday said the next shipment of petroleum was expected to arrive on Tuesday, 9 December. Sonasi is supplied by Pacific Energy.

“The bulk fuel tanker is due to arrive next Tuesday – with more unleaded petrol to fulfil ongoing demand,” Sonasi stated.

They said that Pacific Energy asked them to limit petrol supplies to 50 pa’anga per vehicle and to restrict fuel container sales for the time being.

“Our fuel supplier, Pacific Energy has sufficient unleaded/petrol in stock to maintain supply to gas stations up to this coming Saturday, 6 December.”

Meanwhile, the island manager and terminal manager for Pacific Energy, were unavailable to comment on the situation, despite repeated attempts by Matangi Tonga to contact them.

Other bowsers, including Konifelenisi and a branch of Luna’eva confirmed with Matangi Tonga that they had run out of unleaded petrol.

Diesel supplies are still plentiful and available in all bowsers.

Vava'u

Vava'u has also run out of petrol. A local said that although a few petrol stations there had been bringing a quantity of petroleum in barrels on the inter-island ferries, the supply was limited. “But they have to be losing money because they can't increase the price to cover this shipping.”

“This is devastating for the economy and Christmas up here,” he said. “I wish we had a briefing on what is really going on.”

He was concerned that those who could afford it would hoard petrol for the next few years, until new tanks are installed in Vava'u.

“How soon before a house explodes?” he said.

Ferries
in Nuku'alofa, Tunamailangi Likiliki, CEO of Tofa Ramsay Shipping, operating a weekly passenger ferry to Vava'u, said that taking petrol to Vava'u was dangerous.

“Yes, we have crates and Isol Tanks, which can carry up to 5000 litres of fuel, and if needed – we have 2000, 1500 and 5000 litre tanks at our disposal" she said.

"But we have not taken any fuel to Vava'u because the oil tankers usually just go directly to Vava'u, so there isn't really a need for us to go there.

"Taking petrol to the outer islands is really dangerous and that's why we have this equipment, to ensure the safety of our crew and the ship– and because it's dangerous is [the reason] why it's expensive."

"We only have taken fuel to 'Eua because we have the 'Ohonua bowser there,” she said.