The Member for Sinasina- Yongamugl, Kerenga Kua is concerned that fuel distributor Puma Energy PNG Limited continues to hold the country to ransom with its tactic of rationing fuel and even shutting down its services when faced with third party issues regarding its access to Forex to purchase fuel.
Speaking at the recent press conference in Port Moresby city after his official resignation from the government, the former Petroleum and Energy Minister said while he was an active minister in the Marape- Rosso Government dealing with Puma, he warned the fuel company to refrain from doing that and speak to the authorities, including the government to resolve the matter first instead of opting to stop its services to get what they want.
“They have a tendency to shut down operations before talking to authorities and sometimes, I think it’s deliberate,” said the Member of Parliament (MP).
They know that and I think in the past they deliberately exploit that. I told them don’t shut down, before you shut down you talk to us first and if we disagree, you can get a court order.”
“Once you stand on the basis of a court order, you are acting with the authority of the court. Don’t do this on your own coalition, unilaterally make decision, impose on the public and then force the government’s hand.”
Mr. Kua said this action could be seen as holding the government to ransom, which is extortion and sometimes, it could be seen as treason because of what this action could create, like a civil unrest that could lead to a potential bring down of the government of the day.
“They got to be careful, they got to demonstrate their corporate citizenship in this country.”
He said the country is now facing another such situation with Puma opting to rationing its fuel supply and restricting its services in light of the closure of its accounts with BSP, and even though they are in the process of transitioning to another commercial bank in the country to open their accounts, Puma continues to restrict its services.
Nevertheless, the MP did give his recommendations to the government on handling this matter carefully going forward, upon his exit as the Minister responsible for Petroleum and Energy.
His recommendations include the government to remain focus on this issue and fund Puma properly to avert another round of fuel emergencies, and for the government to massage Puma into selling out its entire PNG business to a third party because Puma’s business has become unacceptable to the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the major commercial banks in country.