By Staff Writer
The oil tanker MT OLAF is in port this week and low storage tanks for jet fuel should be restored to normal levels at the latest by today, Thursday, 29 September 2022.
Fuel samples had to be sent to New Zealand for recertification.
The fuel tanker arrived on Monday and started unloading her in demand cargo to the silent sound relief of the thankful business community, led by frustrated freight-forward operators.
One of the main operators complained of the costly loss of business and having to face up to the frustrations of customers.
Some had to be turned back while others wanted refunds on their undelivered packages.
Air New Zealand reduced it loadings per flight to cope with the fuel they were forced to ration when supplies running low.
The re-opening of international borders last August caught the national supplier Petroleum Product Suppliers (PPS) by the surprise with the sudden jump in demand.
“Over the last 6 weeks since our borders re-opened, we have experienced an unprecedented high demand for jet fuel at Faleolo International Airport as international flights resumed,” PPS General Manager Mr. Fereti Felipe explained in a media statement.
“Coupled with the increased flights by the scheduled airlines, there were also a high number of non-scheduled and military flights during the 60th Independence Celebrations.
“This high demand for jet fuel is also evident throughout the region as borders re-opened.
“As a result of this high demand, we have had to restrict jet fuel uplifts from Faleolo Airport, in order to ensure we have sufficient fuel to last until the next tanker which is scheduled to arrive on September 27th.”
Felipe regrets the inconvenience but confirmed the fuel stocks unloaded this week should last before the next tanker on the 1st week November 2020.
PPS imported in the last 3 months from June to August just over 10 million liters of petrol, 3.1 million liters of diesel and 46 thousand liters of kerosene.