BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The anticipated mid-April increase in fuel prices is expected to be implemented shortly.
A relevant source within the Price Advisory Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration (MCILI) told this paper yesterday.
“We are yet to receive monthly pricing template submissions from the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil,” the spokesman said.
Speaking in an interview yesterday a spokesperson within the SPOL who wishes to remain anonymous said they should have filed their template submissions by yesterday.
“We are doing our template submission today (Thursday 16) but the PAC has decision on what dates when the price will be increased,” he said
A female spokesperson from Markwarth Oil also shared similar sediments via phone call yesterday afternoon.
She said that Markwarth Oil already submitted their template to the Price Advisory Committee (PAC).
“I’m aware that we submitted our templets already. That’s what I’m aware of. So, they are waiting for the SPOL. They will then establish new price once they have received these submissions. It’s probably tomorrow (today),” she said.
Edward Bamu Secretary of PAC, early this month confirmed in an interview that a fuel price adjustment will come into effect mid-April.
“This is to ensure that fuel prices do not come as a shock to consumers,” he said in an interview.
“Assuming the Middle crisis continues, May price will be affected because they are based on March Mean of Platts (MOPS). We are trying to spread some of the increase into April so that prices rise gradually,” he said.
He said the actual fuel price adjustments will depend on submissions from South Pacific Oil Limited (SPO) and Markworth.
“However, the general outlook is that prices will rise,” he said.
Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, Secretary to the Prime Minister for Special Duties, had forewarned of this significant increase in fuel prices in May during the Prime Minister’s fortnightly press conference on Sunday, March 22.
Mr Rodgers said the anticipated rise is due to a sharp increase in global fuel prices.
Despite the looming increase, Rodgers assured public that government is working on measures to cushion the impact.
Rodgers said discussions are ongoing with the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil, to strengthen supply capacity and stability.
“Once the Price Advisory Committee reviews and adjusts the current pricing, we will expect a jump,” Rodgers said.
Government of Tuvalu has declared a State of Public Emergency for Funafuti, warning that unstable electricity systems and fuel supply risks are threatening essential services nationwide, the Pacific News Service (PINA) said on Monday.
PNIA adds that the declaration takes effect from April 13, 2026 and shall remain in force for a period of 14 days unless sooner revoked or varied.
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