The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) has put forth its views and suggestions for the relevant parties involved in the fuel saga to consider, including isolating the financial regulatory compliance issues, so to ensure that national fuel security is not compromised going forward. ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Paulus Ain, said considering the due processes and regulatory compliance requirements relating to foreign exchange issues, the ICCC is, therefore, suggesting that the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP), and Puma Energy PNG Limited (PUMA) isolate financial regulatory compliance issues from the fuel supply. “Regulatory compliance issues must not be used as an excuse to disrupt the supply of fuel in the country,” Commissioner Ain said. “BPNG and BSP should take the matter to court, whilst providing Puma Energy with its foreign currency needs and allowing it access to banking services. This is necessary to enable Puma to continue supplying fuel in the country.” He said it is unfortunate that fuel supply continues to be disrupted because of financial regulatory compliance issues. The Commissioner added that the ICCC as the competition authority, is also open to explore the possibility of ensuring competitors share key infrastructures to ensure fuel, in particular jet fuel is made available during such critical times. Fuel suppliers are urged to come forward to the ICCC to share their views on this proposed alternative. Also, the ICCC is exploring the possibility of having other importers to sell fuel to Puma Energy in PNG Kina, to ensure reliable supplies to customers. The ICCC will hold further dialogues with relevant stakeholders to see if this option is viable. Mr. Ain said Puma Energy’s monopoly position in the Jet A1 market is now having a detrimental impact on consumers. Therefore, other regulatory bodies should consider relaxing necessary statutory requirements to allow other suppliers to independently import Jet A1, rather than solely depending on Puma Energy to meet the country’s Jet A1 requirements.