VANUATU residents will start paying significantly more for petrol and diesel from this weekend, as the government passes on rising global fuel costs triggered by Middle East tensions.
The price of petrol will rise from VUV166 per litre to VUV223. Diesel will jump even higher, from VUV155 to VUV254 per litre.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the increases were out of the government’s hands.
“These developments are beyond the control of the government and are affecting countries worldwide, not Vanuatu alone,” he said in a statement on Friday.
He pointed directly to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran as the main driver.
The government has moved to soften the blow for essential services. Following discussions with electricity provider UNELCO, power bills will not go up. Bus fares will also remain unchanged after talks with the Port Vila Land Transport Authority, backed by a cash subsidy for transport owners.
Other sectors getting temporary support over the next six months include sea and air transport, and agriculture.
But the government acknowledged it cannot protect everyone. Private vehicle owners in particular will feel the full impact of the price hike.
Officials are urging people not to hoard fuel, and to drive less, keep their cars in good shape and carpool where possible.
“The factors driving these price increases are outside national control,” Napat said. “But every effort is being made to manage their impact responsibly and equitably.”
The government will monitor events in the Middle East and global fuel markets over the next three months.
