Samoa
3.1 Samoa Fuel

Fuel Overview

Fuel is imported by tanker ships from Singapore and stored at the government-owned fuel farm in Sogi, Apia.

In 1998, the government nationalised all storage facilities in Samoa and then tendered the rights to distribute fuel throughout the country. Currently, Petroleum Product Supplies Ltd (PPS) has the sole rights for fuel (diesel, petrol, Jet A-1) distribution to private retail outlets, the port and airports.

Fuel tanker ships bringing fuel from Singapore are regularly delayed, but this has never resulted in fuel shortages to distributors or consumers, or the need to ration fuel. Generally there are no issues with supply or distribution.  

Fuel farm storage capacity:

Diesel:   8,700 mt (equivalent to 70 days consumption @ av. usage of 125 mt/day)   

Petrol:   4,400 mt (equivalent to 56 days consumption @ av. usage of 78 mt/day)

Jet A-1:  2,400 mt (equivalent to 70 days consumption @ av. usage of 34 mt/day)

Reserve levels are kept at 18 days of consumption.

PPS has a storage capacity at Faleolo Airport of 534 mt of Jet A-1 fuel.

 For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links: HQ staff will input links to sections 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List here.

Information may also be found at: http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ which is updated monthly. 

Fuel Pricing

Pricing is based on the wholesale price of the fuel sourced from Singapore. Price is set by PPS at the start of each month and held for the month, as a policy of government regulation. The price of fuel changes monthly, reflecting the shift in the Singapore market’s wholesale rate.

 

Fuel Prices per Litre as of: 07/08/2018

(local currency and USD)

Petrol

$ ST 2.79 - $ US 1.08

Diesel

$ ST 2.83 - $ US 1.10

Paraffin

$ ST 2.47 - $ US 0.96

Jet A-1

$ ST 2.34 - $ US 0.91

Seasonal Variations 

There are no seasons/seasonal variations in Samoa. However, Singapore wholesale prices do tend to rise in response to higher demand for heating fuel during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, and consequently affect Samoan fuel prices.

 

Seasonal Variations

Are there national priorities for the availability of fuel? (i.e. are there restrictions or priorities for the provision of fuel, such as for the military?)

No (however if import tankers are late, PPS will prioritise local demand before supplying foreign shipping vessels. Occurs possibly once a year).

Is there a rationing system?

No

Is fuel to lower income/vulnerable groups subsidized?

No

(N.B. Fuel cost is the same on Savai’i despite the extra transport cost.)

Can the local industry expand fuel supply to meet humanitarian needs?

Imports have a 16-day transit and are booked 3 months in advance. Locating fuel from other destinations can expand supply.

Is it possible for a humanitarian organization to directly contract a reputable supplier/distributor to supply its fuel needs?

Yes

Fuel Transportation

PPS has it own tanker trucks for distribution. It has a total of 18, ranging in capacity from 5.000 L to 30,000 L. Savai’i Island is supplied by charter vessel; the vessel’s bulk tanks carry diesel, and petrol is transported on deck using ISO tanks. The 2 small Channel Islands are not supplied by PPS. Current capacity is sufficient for local needs and the supplier could cater for increased demand if required by the humanitarian community.

 

Standards, Quality and Testing

Fuel quality standards are to international specifications and a recognised New Zealand laboratory carries out all testing.

 

Industry Control Measures

Do tanks have adequate protection against water mixing with the fuel?

Yes

Are there filters in the system which monitor where fuel is loaded into aircraft?

Yes

Is there adequate epoxy coating of tanks on trucks?

Yes

Is there a presence of suitable firefighting equipment?

Yes

Standards Authority

Is there a national or regional standards authority?

No, but standards adhered to are API standards.

Jet A-1 adheres to JIG standards.

If yes, please identify the appropriate national and/or regional authority.

Ministry of Finance has oversight for fuel purchases, facilities and distribution.

If yes, are the standards adequate/properly enforced?

Yes, there are regular audits.

Testing Laboratories

Are there national testing laboratories?

No

Fuel Quality Testing Laboratory

Company

Independent Petroleum Laboratory (IPL)

Name 

IPL Ltd.

Address

39 Molesworth Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki, 4310, New Zealand.

Telephone and Fax

+64 6 758 4262

Contact

laboratory@ipl.co.nz

Standards Used

DEF-STAN 091-91)

 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and the 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.

 


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