TONGA’S Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has warned the country could be heading into unknown territory as tensions in the Middle East threaten global fuel supplies and shipping routes.
Speaking to Pacific Waves, he said prolonged conflict would have serious implications for the Kingdom.
“If the Middle East conflict continues, the kingdom will be entering ‘unknown territory’ given the disruption to global fuel supplies, shipping routes and supply chains,” Fakafanua said.
Tonga’s fuel and power supply remains stable for now but may only last two months if disruptions persist. The Tongan government is considering measures to manage demand, including a four-day work week and work-from-home arrangements.
“As a government, we’re prepared to implement policies to help ease the pressure on supply and demand, whether it’s a four-day work week for the government or work from home, Covid-like scenarios, we’re prepared to do what we will to extend the current supply as far as we can,’ Fakafanua said.
On mitigating the impact of United States travel restrictions on Tongan nationals, Fakafanua said progress was “expectedly slow,” noting that, while there are frustrations, steps are being taken to try to reverse the restrictions.
“We’re currently in the phase of educating the people… I think that’s the first step in restoring or projecting a pathway towards getting some normalcy within our visa restrictions with the United States.”
Source: TOT/ PACNEWS
