Samoa and New Zealand Discuss Fuel Supply Concerns amidst Global Tensions

2026-03-16 - 10:07

Samoa and New Zealand have discussed the possible impact of rising global fuel prices as tensions and conflict in the Middle East continue to affect international markets. During a joint press conference, Samoa’s Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, said the government’s immediate priority is to ensure that Samoa has enough fuel supply to meet the country’s needs. He explained that while Samoa cannot control global fuel prices, the government is working to secure supply lines and prepare for any disruptions that could arise if the conflict continues for a long time. “Our priority now is to make sure we have enough supply. What is happening globally is beyond our control, but we are working to ensure we have enough fuel for the next one or two years because we do not know how long the conflict will last,” said Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa. The Prime Minister noted that Samoa already receives fuel supplies from countries such as Singapore and other international partners. The government is also exploring ways to redirect supply routes if necessary to ensure the country is covered in case of shortages. He added that Samoa’s own petroleum supply system allows the government some level of control over fuel pricing locally. “We have our own petroleum supply system that allows us to manage prices to some extent, but we never know what may happen next if the conflict continues,” he said. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said both leaders want to see a quick resolution to the conflict because of the wider economic impacts it may bring. He explained that New Zealand is currently well supplied with fuel and has established a ministerial oversight group that meets daily to monitor the situation and ensure the country remains prepared. “From New Zealand’s perspective, we are well supplied with fuel both within the country and on ships coming in. We have a ministerial oversight group meeting daily to make sure we remain in a strong position,” Luxon said. However, he noted that the bigger concern may come if the conflict continues for a long time, potentially affecting global supply chains. “If this conflict continues for several months, it could affect imports such as petrochemicals used in plastics and packaging, as well as fertilisers. Those are the kinds of issues we are already thinking about,” he said. Luxon also acknowledged that Samoa has a strong fuel management system and the ability to receive fuel shipments directly through its ports and distribute them across the country. Both leaders agreed that cooperation and information sharing between Samoa and New Zealand will be important in responding to any future supply challenges. “What we discussed this morning was making sure our officials continue sharing information about where our fuel supplies come from so we can support each other if needed,” Luxon said. New Zealand sources about 51 percent of its fuel from South Korea, 31 percent from Singapore, with the remainder coming from Malaysia and Japan.