Fuel Overview 

The Pacific Energy Group established itself in Vanuatu following the acquisition of Shell’s assets in 2006, Mobil’s assets in 2007 and BP’s assets in 2010. Since then, Pacific Energy has made a lot of investments in Vanuatu including the construction of a 2 km long pipeline between the Port of Port Vila and the Pacific Energy depot to allow direct supply by tankers, as well as the expansion of fuel storage capacities in Port Vila and Santo. The Pacific Energy Group has two depots in Vanuatu with a combined storage capacity of 17.2 million litres. The Group employs 100 employees, operates 36 gas stations and provides refuelling at the two biggest airports in Vanuatu – Bauerfield International Airport and Santo International Airport. 

The Pacific Energy Group has signed supply contracts with major international oil companies to ensure the continuity of its supply given its significant reliance on imported fuels. It has also developed its own shipping company, Orient Oil Express Ltd, which operates several oil tankers in the Pacific region. The Group also leans on renown laboratories for constant monitoring of the fuel quality, including aviation, from placement on board in the refinery’s marine terminal, to delivery in its depots, gas stations and the final client. [Source: https://p.energy/vanuatu/?lang=en] 

Origin Energy Vanuatu is an Australian energy company that has been active in Vanuatu since 2005 through its ownership of a 50% stake in the Vanuatu Gas Joint Venture which was formed to explore and develop offshore gas fields in Vanuatu with the aim of supplying gas to the local market for electricity generation and industrial use. The Pango gas field is located approximately 7 km offshore from Port Vila. The use of natural gas as a fuel source has allowed Vanuatu to reduce its reliance on imported diesel fuel. [Source: https://myvanuatudirectory.com/listing/origin-energy-vanuatu/]  

Increasing fuel prices and inflation are continuously highlighted as a shared concern across the Pacific pre- and post-COVID-19. Vanuatu’s energy sector is characterised by low access, high relative prices, and significant reliance on imported fuels. Vanuatu imports over 60 million litres of fuel/petroleum per year, with approximately 33 million litres of diesel for transport and there are no regulations on petroleum standards, pricing and fuel. Vanuatu is already importing Euro 5 quality fuel. Vanuatu’s dependence on imported fuel creates security of supply risks (potential for fuel supply interruptions) as well as affordability problems for customers. [Source: https://www.spc.int/updates/news/media-release/2023/05/pacific-island-countries-share-challenges-in-sustainable#:~:text=Director%20Garae%20explained%20that%20Vanuatu,standards%2C%20pricing%2C%20and%20fuels.]  

For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links:  4.1 Government Contact List and 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List. 

Fuel Pricing 

There are no regulations in Vanuatu on petroleum standards, pricing and fuels. 

Seasonal Variations  

Fuel Transportation 

• Port Vila: Every 50 days a 45,000 tonnes fuel ship arrives. 

• Santo: Every 100 days a fuel ship arrives. 

• Port Vila and Santo airports: AVGAS and Jet A1 fuel are delivered by trucks to the airports. 

• Emergency aircraft re-fuelling: A 24-hour notice must be given to request fuel to be delivered to the aircraft. 

• <100 m3 capacity ship: Fuel is delivered by truck to the wharf. 

• >100 m3 capacity ship: Planes are used to refuel the ship. 

The current capacity can meet the local needs as well as any increases in demand from the humanitarian community. 

Standards, Quality and Testing 

Fuel testing facilities are limited in Vanuatu. To meet international requirements, aircraft fuel samples are sent to New Zealand for quality assurance testing.  

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.  

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.