Editorial: Tonga’s Petrol Chaos: Three Shortages in a Month and Still No Answers
Tonga has faced three fuel shortages in just over a month, leaving cars queued for hours and businesses losing money. As the government blames delayed ships, the question is whether stronger planning — including better public transport — could finally keep the country moving.
Tonga is once again running out of petrol. It is the third shortage in less than a month, and people have had enough. Cars are backed up at petrol stations, businesses are losing money, and families are wondering why this keeps happening.
The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development says it is because of late ships and technical problems. But that excuse is wearing thin. People just want to know why Tonga cannot keep fuel in stock.
In early September, Vavaʻu ran dry after a fuel shipment was delayed. The same problem hit Tongatapu at the end of October, and again in the first week of November. Now, on 11 November, the country is still feeling the effects of those delays, with some stations yet to be fully restocked.
Across Nukuʻalofa, long queues are part of daily life. In the outer islands, some stations have completely run out. Taxi drivers, fishermen, delivery trucks and small business owners are being forced to cut back or stop work. Every delay means lost income and higher prices for everyone. Families already struggling with the cost of living are feeling the pinch even harder.
“This is the third time in a month we have run out of petrol. The queues are ridiculous. It feels like someone has dropped the ball, or maybe the supplier has found a way to profit from the chaos,” said one frustrated business owner in Nukuʻalofa.
It is not just an inconvenience. When petrol runs out, schools slow down, deliveries stop and food prices rise. Everything depends on transport, and when the fuel dries up, the whole country suffers.
People are not angry that ships get delayed. That happens. They are angry that the government is caught off guard every single time. After the first shortage, there should have been a backup plan. After the second, there should have been action. Now, after the third, people are running out of patience.
So far, there has been no clear plan from the ministry to stop this happening again. No new storage. No backup supply route. No warning for the public until the tanks are already empty.
Petrol prices tell part of the story. In Tongatapu, petrol was selling at T$3.15 a litre as of 5 November. In some of the outer islands, prices reached as high as T$4.05. The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development said a fuel shipment that had been due on 30 October was delayed by technical problems, and the replacement vessel arrived on 3 November.
One way to ease the pressure in future crises is to reduce Tonga’s dependence on private cars. A more reliable public transport system could make a real difference. The government had already looked into improving this sector and was preparing to trial two new buses as part of a plan to modernise public transport. If that trial succeeds, it could ease traffic, cut fuel demand and make daily travel cheaper for ordinary Tongans.
Better public transport would not only help families but also make the country less vulnerable to future fuel shortages. Fewer cars on the road mean less congestion, lower petrol use and cleaner air. It is the kind of practical reform that shows leadership rather than excuses.
Tonga Independent News has asked the Minister of Trade and Economic Development what steps are being taken to prevent this from happening again. Why were backup supplies not arranged? Why are people not told sooner? And will the ministry finally introduce a fuel security policy so the country has reserves ready for emergencies?
Three fuel shortages in one month are not bad luck. They are bad management. Tonga needs leadership that plans ahead, not one that reacts when the pumps run dry. Energy security is not a slogan. It is about keeping the country moving.
