Fuel supply running low

 By GYNNIE KERO

Puma Energy says supplies of fuel in the nation’s capital are severely limited due to the blockage at Hanuabada village, Port Moresby.

A spokesperson said “a lot of damage was done to terminals and cartage contractor vehicles exacerbating the problem.” 

“Unless the situation is resolved supply of fuel will continue to deplete and locations may stock out of product.” When asked if Puma Energy had another route to transport fuel into the city, the spokesperson said: “There was fuel leaving the refinery (Napa Napa) via the back road to Gerehu but stocks are well below retail sites and the transport companies will not risk their staff, no delivery after dark.

“Our (Puma) staff at the refinery travel by water so no issues there.

“Access to terminals on the town side of the harbour is still cut off.” Yesterday, most fuel stations around the nation’s capital closed as they did not have fuel to provide for their customers.

Airline companies, Air Niugini and Airlines PNG (APNG) were operating without any disruptions.

“The situation with fuel is tight; however, the airline (Air Niugini) is currently operating without any disruption. 

Air Niugini has implemented contingency plans whereby aircraft are refuelling from outside Port Moresby and are only topping up fuel from the stock that’s currently at the airport here in Port Moresby,” chief executive officer of Simon Foo said.

APNG chief commercial officer Paul Abbot said: “At this stage we are operating to our normal schedule and are in contact with Puma Energy in regards to ongoing supply.”