Puma Energy PNG Limited issued a dire warning today: Papua New Guinea has only four days’ worth of aviation fuel left, posing a critical shortage at Jackson’s Airport and other airports across the country.
This shortage became apparent after the firm failed to restock Jet A1 supplies in PNG.
Compounding the issue, Air Niugini obtained a temporary injunction to ensure fuel supply until local stocks run out.
Puma Energy is urgently seeking medium- and long-term solutions to secure jet A1 supply in PNG, suggesting international suppliers’ contract directly with local airlines while Puma handles logistics.
To mitigate the impact, Air Niugini and government agencies must cooperate, with Puma urging reduced fuel usage and seeking support from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Despite clarifying its separate responsibilities from the refinery (Puma Energy PNG Refining Limited), Puma emphasizes the urgent need for swift cooperation to avert disruptions to air travel with limited aviation gasoline, and other vital services in PNG.
Puma said collaboration among all stakeholders is paramount to address this looming crisis.
It did, however, make clear that Puma Energy PNG Refining Limited and the state bear primary responsibility for matters pertaining to the refinery, which are considered separate.
There is a limited amount of aviation gasoline left, therefore swift cooperation is required to avoid possible interruptions to air travel and other vital services in Papua New Guinea.
In order to navigate this impending catastrophe, the cooperation of all parties is essential.