Tasminnie ISIMELI

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) is fast-tracking a special regulatory review of public transport fares following a K1.00 per litre fuel price hike, while issuing a strict warning that Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) and taxi operators face immediate prosecution if they unilaterally overcharge commuters.ICCC Commissioner Roy Daggy confirmed that the statutory watchdog is actively assessing whether an emergency adjustment to public motor vehicle (PMV) and taxi fares were necessary before the scheduled annual review for 2027.He said the review would consider how higher fuel prices have affected transport operators, while ensuring any proposed increase is justified by actual operating costs.Daggy said a decision could be made in the coming days or weeks, subject to the commission's assessment and formal approval process.However, he stressed that higher fuel prices do not automatically justify higher passenger fares, as fuel is only one component of the overall cost of running a transport service."Until any revised fares are formally approved and gazette, operators must continue charging the existing approved rates."He emphasized that the ICCC is also reminding commuters to report suspected overcharging as transport businesses adjust to rising fuel costs.Passengers who are charged above the approved fare are encouraged to record the vehicle's registration number, route, time of travel and amount paid, and submit the details to the commission for investigation.Daggy said operators who charge fares outside the approved rates could face penalties for non-compliance.The commission regulates maximum fares for licensed PMV routes and taxi services in designated centres, meaning operators cannot independently increase charges in response to changes in fuel prices.The outcome of the early review will determine whether transport operators receive some relief through approved fare adjustments, while ensuring commuters are protected from unjustified increases.Until the ICCC announces a formal decision, passengers and transport operators are expected to comply with the current gazetted fares.

Papua New Guinea’s fuel subsidy arrangements are undergoing a major shift as the National Government begins phasing out direct price support, driving pump prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene up by K1.00 per litre. Effective October 8, 2026, the new retail price across Port Moresby service stations stands at K5.90 per litre, rising from the heavily subsidized K4.90 rate maintained in September.The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) revealed that the State's K1 billion fuel relief package has been fully utilized, forcing a revised strategy to balance public cushion measures with other critical national spending commitments.Under the newly restructured arrangement—guided by the Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Act 2026 and NEC Decision No. 225/2026—the Government has extended the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption on fuel until December 31, 2026. However, the direct cash subsidy component paid to fuel importers will be progressively phased out over the next two months.ICCC Commissioner Roy Daggy explained that the state can no longer absorb the full discrepancy between volatile international oil prices and domestic retail rates because the Government must balance fuel assistance with other pressing needs, including disaster relief, health and education.The commission says international oil prices remain elevated amid continuing geopolitical tensions, leaving Papua New Guinea exposed to external market movements.The changes are expected to keep fuel pricing and the sustainability of government support under public scrutiny as the country approaches the end of the year."Decisions on fuel assistance beyond the current arrangement will depend on the Government's subsequent policy and budget considerations".

The Force Support Battalion (FSB) based in Port Moresby city will host the next Commander’s Cup, with the FSB Tigers set to take on the responsibility of staging the prestigious military rugby tournament.The announcement follows the successful conclusion of this year’s competition, which saw the 1134 Igam Crocs retain the Commander’s Cup after defeating the FSB Tigers in the grand final match on Monday 5th October at the Murray Barracks, Port Moresby.For FSB, the hosting role provides an opportunity to build on the strong showing of its representative team and bring the tournament to its home environment for the next edition.The FSB Tigers’ appearance in the grand final demonstrated the battalion’s growing strength in the competition, despite falling short against the defending champions.The next tournament will therefore shift the focus to Force Support Battalion, which will be responsible for delivering the competition and welcoming participating teams.The Commander’s Cup was last contested in 2023, before returning this year, with the competition continuing to provide an important platform for sporting competition, camaraderie and engagement across the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.The hosting announcement also gives the FSB Tigers an opportunity to regroup following their grand-final defeat and prepare for another challenge when the Commander’s Cup returns.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force is looking at opportunities for its rugby players to compete against defence forces from across the Pacific, according to Commander of the Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara.Rear Admiral Polewara said the Defence Force was considering participation in both 15-a-side and sevens rugby competitions as it looks beyond the domestic Commander's Cup.He said there was an existing competition led by Australia that brings defence forces from Pacific countries together, providing an opportunity for military players to test themselves against international opposition.The move would give PNG Defence players exposure beyond the domestic competition and create another pathway for players developing through Defence rugby.Rear Admiral Polewara said the Commander's Cup was also important in developing players from units that do not regularly compete in city competitions.The tournament has brought together teams from different parts of the Defence Force, allowing players to gain experience against teams with different levels of exposure and preparation.The Commander also reflected on PNG's history of producing rugby league talent, recalling former players including David Tiki, Martin Taumu and Robin Tarere, whom he played alongside.Some of their sons have now followed their fathers into the Commander's Cup.But Rear Admiral Polewara said the current generation was playing in a different era, with the intensity and demands of the game having increased.He said the challenge now was to build on the talent and fitness being displayed in defence competitions and create opportunities for players to progress.Participation in Pacific Defence competitions would provide another test for those players while strengthening sporting links between defence forces in the region.For Rear Admiral Polewara, the development of 15-a-side and sevens teams, is part of a broader effort to give Defence players more opportunities to compete and develop beyond the Commander's Cup.

The 1134 Igam Crocs have retained the PNG Defence Force Commander's Cup after defeating the Force Support Battalion (FSB) Tigers in the grand final yesterday in Port Moresby city, bringing the coveted trophy back to Igam Barracks, Lae city.The Commander's Cup was last contested in 2023, making this year's return to competition significant for the participating Defence units.The Igam Crocs entered the tournament as the previous champions and successfully defended their title, earning the right to take the cup back to Igam Barracks.Commander of the Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said retaining the cup was no easy achievement, highlighting the preparation, fitness and work that takes place behind the scenes before teams take the field.He said the tournament had demonstrated strong fitness, skills and intensity, with teams from different Defence units bringing varying levels of competition experience to the tournament.National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop was present for the grand final between FSB Tigers and 1134 Igam Crocs, adding prominence to the closing match.Rear Admiral Polewara described this year's tournament as bigger and better, saying he was impressed by the turnout, organisation and intensity displayed throughout more than a week of competition.He also highlighted the benefit of bringing together units that do not regularly participate in city competitions.Players from NCD had given their time to work with some of the teams, helping improve their skills and preparing them to compete against units with greater exposure to regular competition.For Igam Crocs, however, the immediate reward was another Commander's Cup title.The victory means the trophy will return to Igam Barracks, while the other Defence units will now have to wait for the next opportunity to challenge the champions.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force says the Commander's Cup is more than a sporting competition, with the tournament providing a platform to strengthen military cohesion, promote healthy lifestyles and build stronger links between the Defence Force and communities.Speaking on behalf of PNGDF Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Commercial Support Programme and Tournament Director Colonel Thomas Melua said sport has long been part of the Defence Force, helping soldiers develop physical fitness, discipline, resilience and camaraderie.Colonel Melua said the Commander's Cup builds on that tradition by bringing servicemen and women together while also engaging youths and communities.“The Commander's Cup embodies these values. As the only national military sporting event of its kind in PNG, the tournament is more than a competition. It is a platform for nation building, cultural integration and international representation.”He said the tournament also supports the development of a healthy and active society by promoting fitness and encouraging young people to embrace teamwork, discipline and healthy living.For PNGDF personnel, Melua said participation in the competition can also contribute to military preparedness by improving fitness, resilience and injury prevention, while strengthening trust and morale among team members.He said the tournament provides soldiers with opportunities to develop leadership skills through roles as coaches, mentors and captains.The Commander's Cup is also being used to promote cultural integration within the Defence Force, with rugby providing a common platform for soldiers from different regions and cultural backgrounds.“In a country rich in tribal diversity, rugby provides a common ground where soldiers unite under shared military values, transcending regional and cultural differences.”Melua said the tournament also creates opportunities for selected PNGDF players to compete against the Australian Defence Force and other Pacific partners.He said these sporting engagements help strengthen relationships between defence personnel across the region, extending cooperation beyond sport into broader defence relationships and mutual understanding.The tournament also provides a pathway for PNGDF athletes to represent Papua New Guinea at international military competitions.Melua said the Defence Force has a long history of producing athletes who have represented the country internationally, and the Commander's Cup will continue to provide opportunities for the next generation.He said the tournament ultimately demonstrates the PNGDF's role as an institution that can work alongside communities in supporting national development.The Commander's Cup has now progressed to the semi-final stage, with teams competing for a place in the grand final.

The 2026 PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup has entered its final stage, with the tournament moving into the semi-finals after five rounds of competition.Headquarters is hosting this year’s tournament, which has brought together 10 PNGDF teams competing in a 15-a-side format.Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Vitata said the Commander’s Cup has come a long way since it was first introduced in 2002 as a rugby sevens competition at Igam Barracks in Lae.He said the tournament has since evolved through different formats, including sevens, tens and 15s, becoming an established part of PNGDF sporting culture.“Since its inception, the format has evolved, alternating between sevens, tens and, of course, 15s. Over the years, the tournament has become deeply embedded into the cultural fabric of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.”This year’s competition features two pools of five teams, with the tournament now moving into the semi-finals on Friday, October 2, before the finals on Monday, October 5.At the end of the five preliminary rounds, Igam Crocs lead the standings on 17 points, followed by FSB Tigers on 16.2RPIR and Basilisk are both on 14 points, while 1RPIR has 12 points.LRRU is on eight points, followed by Headquarters Chiefs and Lombrum Sharks on six points each.Goldie Warriors have one point, while ATW Eagles are yet to register a point.Vitata said the standings will also help determine match winners where teams finish level, with the semi-finals providing a pathway for the top contenders to compete for the major trophies.The semi-final fixtures are scheduled for Friday, with LRRU Troopers taking on Headquarters Chiefs, while 1RPIR is set to face Lombrum Sharks.FSB Tigers will meet 2RPIR Muruks in another key clash, while Igam Crocs will take on Basilisk Marlins.The final stage will feature five matches on Monday, with all participating teams given an opportunity to compete for silverware.The five trophies up for grabs are the Commander’s Cup, Commander’s Cup Plate, Commander’s Cup Bowl, Commander’s Cup Shield and Commander’s Cup Pennant.Vitata said the inclusive format is intended to maintain participation across the teams while reflecting the tournament’s wider focus on unity and collective representation within the PNGDF.

The defending champions, 1134 Igam Crocs, have finished the Commanders Cup pool stage on top of Pool A after beating the Lombrum Sharks 21–10 in Round Five.The result caps off a strong pool-stage campaign for the Crocs, who have now turned their attention to the semi-finals as they look to defend the title they won in the previous competition.For the Crocs, being the defending champions has brought added expectations, but Team Manager and Coach Major Derek Levi says the players have tried to keep their focus on what happens on and off the field.He says the team understands there is pressure to perform, but the message to the players has been to remain humble, disciplined and focused throughout the competition.Major Levi says the Crocs have also been tested by the other units, with the team treating every match as an important challenge rather than looking too far ahead.He says their main goal remains clear, to win the Commanders Cup and retain the title.But for Major Levi, the tournament is about more than simply winning a trophy.He says the competition provides an opportunity for personnel from different PNG Defence Force units to come together, build camaraderie and strengthen relationships through sport.He says the Crocs have been encouraging their players to play hard but maintain good sportsmanship, with rugby bringing everyone together as colleagues and brothers.“It's the unity of camaraderie between us and the other units and the display of sportsmanship,” Major Levi says.He says the team wants to see rugby as the ultimate winner, regardless of which unit takes the trophy at the end of the tournament.The Crocs have also received strong support from their families, friends and former Engineer personnel based in Port Moresby, including supporters from Lae who have continued to follow the team's campaign.Major Levi says that support has been overwhelming and has given the players extra motivation throughout the tournament.As the Crocs prepare for the semi-finals, he says the team's approach remains simple, stick to the game plan, listen to the coach and execute their roles on the field.He says having everyone working towards the same plan has been an important part of the team's performance so far.

Basilisk Marlins have strengthened their push towards the finals of the PNG Defence Force Commanders Cup 2026 after defeating Air Transport Wing Eagles 36–12 in their Round Five match.Petty Officer Peter Waiga says the Marlins have prepared well throughout the competition and are determined to continue their campaign through to the finals.“Currently, this year, the team has been preparing well for the Marlins Cup. We are looking forward to play to the end, to the finals.”Waiga says the competition has been closely contested, with teams across both pools putting up strong performances.The Marlins are also managing some player soreness and injuries, particularly among their front-row players, but Waiga says the team is receiving support from its medical and physiotherapy staff.He also praised the team's physiotherapist, who has been with the Marlins for almost three years, saying she has become an important part of the team.Meanwhile, the ATW Eagles, despite the 36–12 loss, have taken positives from their Commanders Cup campaign, with Sergeant Philip Tivilit highlighting the camaraderie and connections built throughout the tournament.Tivilit says the competition has provided an opportunity for personnel from different units to reconnect with former colleagues and comrades they had not seen for years.“We take Commanders Cup basically like what the commanders have said about Commanders Cup.It's just all about mateship, bringing the soldiering aspect together and try to build a better Defence Force.”He says the tournament has also highlighted areas ATW needs to improve, particularly its understanding of the rules and game structure.“We need to polish up a little bit on the way we played and understand the rules and be sure that in the two years’ time, I think we'll be in a better position to take up the challenge.”Tivilit says sporting events such as the Commanders Cup also create an opportunity for personnel to interact across ranks outside the usual work environment.He thanked the families and supporters who backed the Eagles throughout the tournament, despite the team missing out on a place in the finals.“We want to say thank you to all the families and friends that have been here with us all throughout the week, supporting us.”The Marlins will now await the remaining results as they continue their push for a place in the finals, while ATW Eagles will use the experience to prepare for the next Commanders Cup.

Remington Group said Starlink satellite technology could open new opportunities for internet connectivity in remote parts of Papua New Guinea where conventional telecommunications services have limited reach.Remington Group Chief Information Officer Asanka Dias said satellite connectivity can provide an alternative for communities located outside existing mobile network coverage.He said traditional telecommunications services depend heavily on infrastructure such as towers, while Starlink can provide connectivity in locations where those networks are not available.“With Starlink, they can connect to it everywhere,” Dias said.Dias said Remington is preparing additional solutions to make Starlink practical for remote areas, including solar-powered packages.The planned offering could combine Starlink equipment with chargers and solar panels, allowing users in areas with limited access to electricity to operate the service.Dias said the objective is to extend connectivity to people who currently have limited or no access to LTE and other conventional telecommunications services.Kieseker said satellite technology has an advantage because it does not require the same network of towers and physical infrastructure used by traditional telecommunications providers.“The only thing it needs is power,” Kieseker said.He said Remington is also testing a battery solution capable of providing several hours of continuous Starlink operation, with solar power providing another option for remote users.Kieseker said the technology could also be used to establish community-level internet access.He said a single terminal could potentially connect a large number of devices wirelessly, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to provide internet access within their communities.Kieseker said greater access to the internet could also create opportunities for education and access to information.“Sometimes maybe not the best education, but at the end of the day, it puts opportunity into everybody’s hand,” he said.OFC Sales Manager Roshankumar H Singh said the Starlink service will also be combined with OFC’s wider technology and communications capabilities.Singh said OFC is looking beyond simply providing internet access, with plans to bundle Starlink with other communication systems and ICT solutions.He said the approach could make it easier for customers to obtain several technology services through a single provider.“Connectivity is not just connectivity, it is the enablers to many of the sectors out there in PNG,” Singh said.Singh said potential applications extend across sectors including healthcare, government and education.He said PNG’s diverse geography makes connectivity increasingly important beyond the major urban centres.For businesses, Kieseker said Starlink can be used either as a primary internet connection or as a backup to existing services.He said Remington’s ICT capabilities can also support businesses that need Starlink integrated into wider networks.Kieseker said businesses operating across several locations could combine multiple Starlink terminals under one arrangement and share data based on usage.“If you’ve got one branch in Kavieng that isn’t using as much data as the guys in Lae, it’s actually a sharing service,” he said.He said businesses will also be able to adjust their data requirements as their operations change, including increasing capacity during periods of higher demand.Singh said Remington's broader strategy is to use connectivity as an enabler for different sectors rather than treating Starlink as a standalone internet product.Kieseker said the Starlink rollout forms part of Remington’s longer-term expansion into communications and technology.He said the group is also watching developments in satellite-to-mobile technology, which could eventually create further opportunities for connectivity in the Pacific.

Remington Group has entered Papua New Guinea’s Starlink market as an Enterprise reseller, offering customers local billing, installation, technical support and warranty services.Remington Group CEO Justin Kieseker says the Enterprise arrangement gives Remington direct access to SpaceX’s billing portal, allowing it to manage customer accounts from PNG.He says this means customers will be able to pay for their Starlink services locally in kina, rather than relying on international payment gateways or credit cards.“We bill in country, in kina. It’s a direct relationship between us and the customer,” Kieseker said.Customers will be able to make prepaid payments through Remington branches, while eligible business customers can also be offered 30-day accounts subject to credit requirements.Kieseker says Remington will stock Starlink terminals locally and have technical staff available to install and support the equipment.He says the X4 business terminal will be sold at the same price across the country.“Our price will be the same countrywide,” Kieseker said.The terminal will be sold for K1,690 including GST, according to Remington.Kieseker says customers in provincial centres should not have to pay more simply because they live outside Port Moresby.“The guys in Buka shouldn’t be penalised because they’re in Buka,” he said.Remington Group Chief Information Officer Asanka Dias says local customer support will be one of the key differences between Remington and other Starlink suppliers operating in PNG.Dias says customers who purchase equipment through other suppliers may have to rely on Starlink’s online support system and overseas warranty processes.He says Remington will instead provide assistance locally.“If you give a call or if you log a ticket, someone from Port Moresby will be walking to your house or your office,” Dias said.Dias says customers will have a local contact for problems involving their Starlink service, including data plans, connectivity and internet speeds.He says Remington intends to provide support around the clock throughout the year.Kieseker says Remington will also provide local warranty assistance for Starlink equipment.Standard Starlink kits carry a 12-month warranty, while the professional kit has a five-year warranty, according to Kieseker.Dias says Remington can also assist existing Starlink customers who purchased their equipment from overseas or another local supplier.He says eligible terminals can be mapped to Remington, allowing the business to provide local customer service and monitor the devices.Remington says its support team will also be able to provide customers with usage and performance reports to help them manage their services.Kieseker says the Starlink service will be available through Remington’s technology and retail operations, with further expansion planned across PNG.He says the business is also preparing to take the Starlink offering into Solomon Islands as part of its wider Pacific expansion.Kieseker says the focus is on making Starlink more accessible by combining the product with local sales, technical expertise and after-sales support.

Goldie Warriors team manager Lieutenant Joshua Haro says his side has performed strongly through the first four rounds of the Commanders Cup despite having a small squad and dealing with injuries.Haro said the team had remained competitive from Round One through to Round Four, going up against some of the bigger units in the tournament.“The boys did very well. Despite the lack of strength that we have, given the small unit that we are, we don’t have that much. However, the boys did very well, starting from Round One up to now Round Four, in all the matches,” he said.He said the team’s limited manpower had made its performances even more significant, particularly as injuries continued to affect the squad.Haro also thanked Goldie Warriors supporters for their continued backing throughout the tournament, saying many had made the trip from Goldie to Murray Barracks to support the team.He clarified that many of those supporting the side were instructors, mostly aged between 25 and 40, rather than new recruits.“Thank you very much for their support. They're undivided support since day one,” Haro said.Goldie Warriors captain Lance Corporal Troy Sarufa said the team now needs to strengthen its understanding of rugby union ahead of its next match.Sarufa said the team plans to work with the CRU and Rugby Union Committee to organise a coaching clinic for the players.“We will run a coaching clinic to enhance some of our boys’ knowledge to better understand the game of rugby. Most of our players are rugby league orientated,” he said.He said the coaching would help the players develop a better understanding of the game and improve their performance in the remaining matches.Despite the challenges, Sarufa said the tournament had already provided an important lesson for the team.“I would say the take-home for us is teamwork and team effort,” he said.For Haro, the Warriors’ ability to compete despite their limited numbers and casualties has been a positive sign.“Regardless of the casualties faced during the tournament, the strength that we have and the manpower, we did put up a good competition against some big giants here,” he said.Haro acknowledged that injuries were now a concern, but said the team would continue to push forward with the players available.The Goldie Warriors will now look to build on the lessons from their first four rounds, with greater rugby union knowledge and teamwork key areas of focus heading into their next match.