Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Mr. Walter Schnaubelt mentioned his reassurance and mentioned the Government is currently working on alternative fuel supply for Jet A1 Fuel.
“I am compelled to update the country as the Minister for Aviation policy, safety and security, on the current state of affairs in relation to Jet A1 Fuel supplies.”
“I sympathize with all communities’ private and government, including the public and appeal to you for patience whilst the government is working on alternative fuel supply,” said Schnaubelt.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG) issued two Supply Organizations to Puma Energy PNG Ltd. 144/001 for its Refinery Operations and 144/006 for retail activities associated with the supply of aviation fuels.
Puma Energy PNG Ltd sent three letter to CASA PNG advising the disruption of fuel supplies and estimated fuel stock remaining at Jackson Airport further limited stocks at other Airport Locations around PNG.
The final third letter from Puma Energy sent, sought Air Niugini to obtain a court Order for Puma to keep supplying Air Niugini without reduction which Puma is obliged to keep supplying Air Niugini until they literally had no more left, even for emergencies.
Puma anticipated this situation would be within the next 1-2 days from the 23rd February 2024, emphasized Schnaubelt.
According to CASA PNG inspection reports under the Civil Aviation Act 2000 at Puma Energy Facilities at Napanapa and 7 mile hold an accumulated amount of 1, 205, 000 liters of useable Jet A1 fuel from the 23rd February 2024.
Daily usage varies from 170, 000 to 250, 000 liters per day.
170, 000 points at approximately 7days and 250, 000 at 5 days of supply available.
Replenishment cargo is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday 27th February 2024 and arrangements are being made with Puma to divert a tanker to Australia to PNG.
A second shipment organized by Exxon and a local supplier expected to arrive 3rd March 2024 and a third organized by Australia and PNG consortium expected to arrive by 5th March 2024.
Mr. Schnaubelt emphasized that possible mitigating action in the interim, which could be employed by the operators are further rationing of Jet A1 fuel, Air Niugini to restrict to domestic ports, all operators using Jet A1 cancel flights with [possibly a booked capacity of less than 30-20%, and more.
Air Niugini and PNG Air are understood to provide arrangements to bring in Jet A1 fuel to support their Domestic operations.
Mr. Schnaubelt reiterated his sympathy and appealed to all for patience whilst the government is working on alternative fuel supply.