The PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) on behalf of fuel importers and suppliers acknowledges Prime Minister James Marape’s intervention in addressing fuel supply disruptions across Papua New Guinea over the weekend.
Fuel supply to service stations recommenced on Saturday and yesterday returned to full operational levels.
“We confirm that fuel importers Puma Energy PNG Limited, Mobil Oil New Guinea Limited, Islands Petroleum Limited and Niugini Oil Company have received a significant part of their subsidies ensuring supply to next week,” said Senior Vice President of PNG CORE, Richard Kassman.
“We are confident that Government will fulfil its commitment to fund subsidies in advance to 7 June 2026,” he added.
Prime Minister Marape and Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey met with industry executives led by Mobil Oil and Puma to discuss process improvements to ensure seamless flow of subsidy funds to ensure normal operations across the fuel distribution chain.
PNG CORE stressed that PNG is not experiencing a fuel supply shortage and that the fuel industry will work closely with Minister for Rural and Economic Development Hon. Joseph Lelang and the State Task Force overseeing the fuel crisis to establish long-term arrangements, ensuring the fuel subsidy program is both
workable and sustainable.
PNG CORE underscored that the fuel subsidy program requires substantial upfront financial commitments, including foreign exchange arrangements secured months in advance.
This represents a significant undertaking by the Government of PNG, while noting that governments in other nearby countries have introduced only partial subsidies, leaving consumers to bear a larger share of fuel costs. By comparison, the people of PNG continue to benefit from relatively low fuel prices reflecting the government’s
commitment to easing the burden on households and businesses.
“The industry will continue to work collaboratively with government on practical and sustainable solutions,” Senior Vice President of PNG CORE, Richard Kassman concluded.