The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) says Papua New Guinea’s fuel supply remains stable despite recent public concern over fuel shortages and subsidy delays.

ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy, said consultations with fuel industry stakeholders and distributors, confirmed that there is enough fuel stock available in the country, including aviation fuel supplies.

Mr. Daggy explained that temporary supply disruptions experienced recently were linked mainly to delays in subsidy payments rather than shortages in fuel imports.

“When the subsidy is not available, suppliers go into what we call hoarding and they restrict supply. That’s why that happened,” he said.

He said fuel distributors have assured ICCC that the fuel import chain remains sustainable and stable.

Mr. Daggy also reassured the public that aviation fuel supplies remain sufficient to support both domestic and international flights.

“The aviation industry is very important for us because most places in PNG are connected by air.”

He noted that the government has been working closely with fuel suppliers and relevant agencies to ensure continuity of supply across the country

“Fuel trucks were running through the night and by Sunday morning everything started stabilizing.”

He also confirmed that subsidy payments had since been disbursed, allowing normal fuel supply operations to resume in most centers.

Some provinces may still experience minor delays while waiting for subsidy processing, but overall, the situation is expected to normalize.

The ICCC Commissioner also clarified that no direct funding under the fuel relief package has yet been received by ICCC for enforcement activities

He said monitoring and compliance operations would be carried out jointly through a State high-level taskforce involving agencies such as PNG Customs, the Internal Revenue Commission and ICCC.

“To date, ICCC has not received any direct funding. Any operational funding will be managed collectively through the State taskforce team.”

Moreover, the government remains committed to maintaining the fuel subsidy throughout the year and is considering further budgetary and policy adjustments to sustain the program.

Mr. Daggy urged businesses and transport operators to comply with existing laws and regulations while the Government continues implementing the fuel subsidy program.