Puma ensures fuel security, supply

PUMA Energy PNG Ltd respects the judiciary and will work with the Government and regulatory authorities to ensure fuel security and supply are maintained, its country manager Hulala Tokome says.
“As the court matter continues, we have maintained 100 per cent fuel supply nationwide.
“However, whilst we go through the judicial process, our foreign exchange (Forex) orders will continue to be met in order to maintain fuel supply in country,” he added.
On Tuesday, the National Court dismissed an application filed by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) against Puma Energy Ltd from halting the supply of refined petroleum products in the country.
BPNG’s application, through a motion, had also sought to stop Puma from limiting its supply on the basis that it had failed to make available foreign exchange currency through the authorised foreign exchange dealers (AFEDs) in Papua New Guinea (PNG), pending the final determination or further orders from the court.
Acting Judge Gertrude Tamade ruled in Waigani that BPNG had attempted to disadvantage Puma by compelling it through an order to keep supplying petroleum products until it did not have the capacity to do so.
“When it is in a dire situation for the need for foreign exchange, it will succumb to the demands of BPNG and give in to its demands regarding the ongoing issue as claimed in these proceedings,” she added.
Due to Forex shortage affecting services in the aviation sector, Air Niugini cancelled domestic flights last Thursday.
Air Niugini indicated in a media release that due to ongoing deliberations between Puma and the BPNG, Puma had stopped the supply of Jet A1 fuel to the airline.
However it later indicated in a second media release that it would operate normal the next day as Puma had restored the supply of fuel to the airline.