Fuel prices still on the up; diesel run out on Cooks' Penrhyn Island

Penrhyn Island in the Cook Islands has resorted to borrowing diesel from a police patrol boat to avert a complete power outage, as fuel prices continue to surge across the region. The island's last 100 liters of diesel were depleted last week, prompting an urgent request for assistance.

Executive officer Puna Vano confirmed that 5,000 liters were borrowed from the police patrol boat Te Kukupa II. This supply is expected to last until the next fuel shipment arrives, estimated around June 25 or 26. In the interim, power usage on Penrhyn is restricted to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The island has been dependent on diesel-generated electricity since the batteries for its solar farms reached the end of their lifespan, though a New Zealand-funded replacement project is underway.

The regional fuel price hikes are attributed to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted refined product prices. Samoa has seen significant increases in kerosene, petrol, and diesel. Niue also experienced a rise in petrol and diesel prices as of June 1. Despite these increases, the Niuean government assures stable fuel supply and no rationing, urging citizens to conserve fuel.

Meanwhile, Fiji's Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has debunked a social media image claiming to show approved fuel prices, stating it is false. Actual price adjustments in Fiji show increases in motor spirit and diesel, with varying rates depending on location.

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Unfortunately, fuel delivery will come on the barge, which the ETD [estimated time of departure] from Raro[tonga] for the Northern Group is on June 18. We are anticipating they will arrive here around the 25 or 26 of June, if things go well and there is no further delay.