PNG PM Marape Apologises Over Fuel Supply Disruptions

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has apologised to citizens following fuel shortages and panic buying experienced across parts of the country over the weekend, saying delays within government payment processes contributed to the situation.

Mr Marape said the State has now moved to stabilise the market through a K190 million support package aimed at keeping fuel prices manageable from May until the middle of June while ensuring importers continue bringing fuel into the country.

 PNG PM Marape Apologises Over Fuel Supply Disruptions

Addressing the issue yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister acknowledged that delayed payments to suppliers had created uncertainty in the fuel sector, leading retailers and consumers to fear possible shortages.

He said the government had already adjusted budget priorities to make funds available for fuel imports and price support, stressing that essential services and economic activity must not be disrupted.

“The retailers are supplying fuel based on pricing from March or April,” Mr Marape said. “We made this announcement a month earlier that we will subsidise the cost of fuel. We are willing to sacrifice elsewhere in the budget, especially the non-essential elements, to make this happen.”

Mr Marape explained that rising international inflation and global fuel costs had placed pressure on importers, forcing the government to step in and absorb part of the burden to protect consumers from further price increases.

He also revealed that Cabinet is considering long-term energy solutions, including downstream fuel processing in PNG. The government plans to reserve five per cent of gas from future LNG developments for domestic refining and fuel manufacturing to reduce future supply risks. “We are willing to make sacrifices to ensure we support the economy and keep the cost of fuel affordable,” he said.