Tonga’s fuel supply for the coming months has been secured, according to Prime Minister Fakafanua, who moved to reassure the public during his weekly national update on the ongoing fuel situation.

The Prime Minister said there was “no need to panic,” confirming that multiple fuel shipments have already been locked in through to July to ensure the country maintains stable supply levels despite continuing global uncertainty in oil markets.

According to the Prime Minister, Tonga is expecting three confirmed fuel shipments this month, scheduled for May 11, May 18 and May 24.

For June, four shipments have been secured for June 4, June 9, June 18 and June 29.

He also confirmed that two July shipments have already been locked in for July 2 and July 13, with the possibility of additional shipments being confirmed later.

The announcement is likely to ease growing public concern over fuel availability after weeks of rising global oil prices and increasing fears across the Pacific over supply disruptions linked to international tensions and shipping pressures.

While the Government appeared confident on supply security, the Prime Minister was more cautious when discussing fuel prices and the likely impact on consumers.

He acknowledged that further price increases may still occur, saying global conditions remained difficult and unpredictable.

“There may be a price increase,” the Prime Minister said, adding that he needed “the people’s prayers” in the hope that prices would not continue rising.

The comments reflect the difficult position facing Pacific governments, many of which remain heavily exposed to imported fuel costs despite efforts to transition toward renewable energy and alternative power sources.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that Tonga Power Ltd had received Government assistance through a capital injection designed to help the utility company manage the current pressures caused by escalating fuel costs.

The assistance comes as households and businesses continue to absorb the impact of recent increases in price of imported goods, which are largely driven by higher costs of shipping.

In addition to support for Tonga Power, the Prime Minister said assistance had also been provided to local inter-island air and sea transport operators, although he did not elaborate on the nature or size of that support.

He further revealed that Government is currently developing a separate assistance package aimed at supporting businesses affected by the rising cost environment.

Details of that plan, however, have not yet been released.

“Government is still working on a plan,” he said, adding that further announcements would be made shortly.

The update signals that the Government is now shifting from immediate fuel supply management toward broader economic mitigation measures as Tonga prepares for the possibility of prolonged elevated energy and transport costs in the months ahead.