Tonga’s fuel crisis worsens as daily life is disrupted and pressure mounts for answers

Tonga’s fuel crisis didn’t happen overnight, it was years in the making, and now the government says the country is paying the price.

Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke has revealed that maintenance delays, limited storage capacity, and a stranded fuel vessel all combined to trigger the severe shortage, causing long queues across Nuku’alofa.

Emergency shipments are now being rushed in as the Kingdom works to restore fuel supply.

Eke tells PMN News that the origin of the crisis dates back to last year when the two major fuel companies in Tonga, TotalEnergies and Pacific Energy, agreed that their existing fuel storage facilities needed maintenance.

The decision led to a reduction in available fuel capacity, resulting in long queues at service stations across Nuku’alofa.

PMN News spoke with local residents who expressed frustration over the ongoing crisis and urged the government to take action.

Tonga Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

One resident from Nuku’alofa, Kupu, says he feels for those living in rural areas are at a disadvantage, as those in town can walk to most places they need to access. He says this is the first time the shortage has persisted for several weeks.

Peter (who did not want to give his surname), says he is concerned thatthis is the first time the situation has been prolonged.

“This is probably the fifth time this has happened. I would’ve thought there’d be some thinking to stop this from happening over and over.”

Listen to Dr 'Aisake Eke's full interview below.

He called on the incoming government to address these issues to ensure they do not continue to recur.

According to the government’s Energy Efficiency Master Plan, the national strategy aims to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported fuel. This dependence leaves Tonga highly vulnerable to supply disruptions and sudden price shocks.

Eke explains that Pacific Energy’s total storage capacity ranges between two and three million litres, they were only able to fill 1,5 million litres with incoming shipments.

He also says logistical challenges with shipping have aggravated the fuel shortage. “We now know that the capacity of fuel that they bring is not sufficient to sustain the supply when a ship breaks down,” the Prime Minister says.

The fuel shortage became apparent at the end of last month when a fuel vessel experienced technical issues while on its way to Nuku’alofa, scheduled to arrive on 30 October.

The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development’s latest update confirms two isotainers carrying 50,000 litres of petroleum are expected to arrive in Tonga on 19 December.

Watch PMN News' coverage of the fuel shortage in Tonga below.

The government has requested that TotalEnergies transfer its remaining stock to Pacific Energy to ease the long queues at service stations. But officials have warned that the 50,000 litres will only be enough to meet demand for one day.

Vessels are expected to arrive ahead of schedule, with TotalEnergies’ coastal tanker set to arrive on 21 November and Pacific Energy’s tanker due at the end of the month.

Eke says the government is in talks with companies about introducing electric vehicles. He says a few of those vehicles are expected to arrive in the Kingdom next year, as the government works with New Zealand and other international partners to expand renewable energy options.

“That’s the way to go because of pollution and it’s just a matter of time before we see more here in Tonga.”

TotalEnergies and Pacific Energy have been approached for comment.

PMN News Political Reporter 'Alakihihifo Vailala is in Nuku'alofa. PMN Coverage of Tonga Election 2025 is brought to you by the Pacific Business Trust - building strong futures, together.