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.

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.

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.

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.

Samoa is well served by transporters; there are several large operators who dominate the market by virtue of their ability to procure new equipment from New Zealand or Australia. (The government has legislated against importing trucks over 10 years old, making purchase costs prohibitive for most single unit owner-drivers to enter the market.)  They operate well-maintained fleets and are capable of satisfying local demand, and any anticipated surge demand in case of a disaster response. There are also adequate supplies of road contractor machinery and handling equipment in the country. There are large numbers of privately-owned, smaller, flat deck trucks that would be available to lease or contract for smaller capacity transport requirements (3-5 mt). It is impractical for foreign operators to enter the market due to the isolated nature of the country.

The island of Savai’i has a contractor with 2 x 20’ container side lifter trucks, which is adequate for local requirements. If other equipment is required, it is transported to the island by chartered barge.

For more information on transport company contact details, please see the following link: 4.7 Transporter Contact List 

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: The 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.

Overview

Samoa is generally well-placed to provide services that may be required by agencies. All normal facilities and supplies are readily available and there are plenty of local, skilled operators, services and tradespeople. Due to a lack of manufacturing capacity in country, if very large numbers of particular items (e.g. tents, small generators) are required, it should be noted that importation would be required, generally from Australia (10-13 days) or New Zealand (5-7 days) by sea.

For more information on company contact details, please see the following link: 4.8 Additional Service Provision Contact List

Accommodation

Due to its attraction as a tourist destination, there is an abundance of accommodation options in Samoa ranging from 4-star hotels to bungalow-style beach accommodation. In the advent of a humanitarian crisis, there is unlikely to be any tourist demand for these beds. There are sufficient accommodation options available that meet the minimum-security options for agencies.

Electricity and Power

Voltage in Samoa is 240V.

The Electric Power Corporation (EPC) is a state-owned enterprise, established under the Electric Power Corporation Act 1980 to generate, transmit, distribute and sell electricity throughout Samoa. The utility operates as a separate entity and is defined as a public trading body under the Public Bodies Act (2001), with the principal objective of operating as a commercial business. The corporation now provides power to 98 per cent of the population of Samoa. EPC’s power system is comprised of a grid on each of Upolu and Savai’i islands, which together account for nearly all energy sales, and small stand-alone solar and diesel generation schemes on two isolated islands.

EPC is governed by a board of directors that is responsible to the Minister of Public Enterprises.

The main source of power is from the National Grid; however, many hotels and businesses have standby generators in place, leftover from several years ago when supply from the grid was erratic. Very few interruptions to supply are experienced now, (potentially once or twice a year for 1-2 hours), and are generally a result of car accidents bringing down roadside supply lines or occasional fuel blocks to diesel generators at the grid.

The country has sufficient power generation to supply the entire country at all times, and supply extends to all but the most rural areas (approximately 2% of households are without National Grid supplied power and EPC is working towards reaching these). The cost of electricity is high; this is partly a result of Samoa’s relatively high level of reliance on diesel-powered generation.

Financial Services

Samoa has all financial and economic services available such as banks, credit card unions, and accountancy companies. Most have international affiliations and are trained and qualified to standards comparable to New Zealand and Australia.

National Bank Of Samoa

The National Bank of Samoa is a locally-owned and operated commercial trading bank. From its humble beginnings as a family owned and managed business in the mid ‘90’s, NBS has grown to be a major player in the Samoan banking and commercial sectors.

BANK SOUTH PACIFIC (BSP)

BSP operates in many countries throughout the South Pacific. BSP has the largest branch network in Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, with branches and sub-branches in cities, towns, and remote rural areas throughout these countries. Their branch network is complemented by electronic banking networks wherever they operate. BSP also has three 100% owned subsidiaries; BSP Capital Ltd - stockbroking and funds management in PNG; BSP Finance - specialist Asset Finance company in Fiji and PNG, and BSP Life - specialist Life Insurance company in Fiji.

ANZ BANK

ANZ Bank (Samoa) Limited ("ANZ Samoa") was first established in Samoa in 1990, then trading as Bank of Western Samoa. It is an international bank.

It is represented by two full branches in Apia and Vaitele, one in Savai’i and one Airport Agency at Faleolo International Airport. Their staff can assist both local and foreign customers with a comprehensive range of personal and commercial banking requirements.

Clearing and Forwarding Agents

There are a number of clearing and forwarding agents based in Apia; most have offices or agencies close to the main port and the international airport. They are reliable and efficient with a number acting as agents for international companies such as UPS and DHL.

Handling Equipment

There is abundant freight handling equipment for lease, or operated by private contractors. Equipment is readily available and maintained in good condition. There are plenty of skilled operators. There are pallets available if required, as many goods are imported using them.

Postal and Courier Services

There are international courier services (DHL, UPS, FEDEX) operating in Samoa, principally based in Apia. They operate to international standards of reliability. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is responsible for the government-run postal service, Samoa Post, which provides efficient domestic and international parcel and letter delivery through 10 sub offices on the 2 main islands.

Printing and Publishing

There are a number of commercial printing and publishing services available in Apia with up-to-date technology for large or small printing work, including brochures and booklets, signs, posters and banners. They are easily accessible and employ capable technicians.

Taxi Companies

There are many taxi companies and taxis in Samoa. They are in good condition, safe, plentiful and easy to hail on the street, and pricing is competitive. It pays to settle on a fare before embarking on a trip as they are not metered.

Vehicle Rental

There are a number of rental car companies offering quality late model cars and vans for hire. There is generally ample supply of vehicles and an organization should be able to meet its initial needs through renting.

Waste Management and Disposal Services

Domestic waste is collected curbside using platforms or rubbish stands and wheelie bins. Commercial waste is picked up from collection areas. The government contracts out this service to the private sector. There is a special collection called Bulky Collection which includes different heavy wastes and recyclable materials. Aluminium cans are collected for recycling, however most other materials go to landfill.

Waste Disposal – Non-Hazardous

There is 100 acres set aside on the outskirts of Apia for waste landfill. The landfill is managed; all vehicles go over a weighbridge and are charged for dumping. Waste is compacted and covered on a daily basis. Basel and Waigani Convention processes are implemented.

On the island of Savai’i there is a landfill, and while not managed on a daily basis, there is a contractor using a compactor machine that visits it regularly to ensure waste is compacted and covered.

Waste disposal – Hazardous

Hazardous wastes are not allowed to dispose in the landfill. Companies and organisations are advised to store their hazardous wastes and seek disposal companies overseas for disposal. Basel and Waigani Convention processes are implemented through trans-boundary movement of wastes.

Used oil is not allowed to be disposed of at the landfill. Recycling companies are now planning to collect used oil to be shipped overseas. Major suppliers and consumers of used oil (eg; EPC, PPS) are storing their used oil to be shipped overseas. Again, Basel and Waigani Convention processes are included. E-wastes for government ministries are collected and stored in the government premises at Vaimea. Household e-wastes (bulky electrical wastes are collected through bulky waste collection), valuable items will be taken by recycling companies, others go to the specific e-waste cell at the landfill. 

Wastewater is stored in septic tanks by all households. Commercial lines are connected to the Waste Water Treatment Plant system within the town area; others (including household and organisations not connected to the sewage line), will be pumped by contractors and transported to the sludge facility. Both Upolu and Savai’i have sludge facility lagoons.

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: The 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.

The telecommunications infrastructure is well-established and almost 90% of the country has telephone and Internet coverage. There are 2 major telecommunication companies present, Blue Sky and Digicel, providing a competitive marketplace. There are no restrictions on obtaining SIM cards and mobile numbers, other than providing ID. Data plans are readily available through either of these 2 companies, or several smaller ISP companies.

E-Sky is a privatised Public Body. 25% is still held by the Unit Trust Of Samoa (UTOS), an investment vehicle that lets Samoan citizens take a stake in the company.

Digicel is a company owned by the Irish billionaire Dennis O’Brian, incorporated in Bermuda, and based in Jamaica.

For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 4.8 Additional Service Provision Contact List 

Telecommunications Regulations

The Office Of The Regulator is responsible for the issuing of all licenses in regards telecommunications and wireless transmissions. There are regulations in place for all the forms of communication listed below and permission must be granted before. For VSAT devices such as handheld Thurayas, they may be brought into the country and used with no special permission, provided an external link provider has already connected them.

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems

Only the larger UN agencies have VSAT phones (see table below). All agencies have radios, however since UNDSS agency left the country in 2015, they do not have a dedicated frequency to operate on.

The Disaster Management Office and Red Cross are the only agencies that use the Emergency Radio Network (ERN).

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

There are a number of ISPs available that organizations are able to contract through, used by Samoan businesses. Reliability and bandwidths are good (4G is readily available). Netvo provides a VSAT connection, and the other providers do so via cable connection (leased from Blue Sky’s).

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

There are 2 MNO companies operating; Sky has 100% 3G coverage of the country, and Digicel which has 75% country coverage.

Both offer similar services including mobile money. Blue Sky has superior coverage and 4G+ in urban areas, whilst Digicel has lesser coverage and achieves a maximum of 3G speeds.

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website.

Samoa is largely self-sufficient in ‘staple’ food supplies. Major food commodities consumed are coconuts, wheat flour, pork, sugar (refined), taro (cocoyam) and vegetables. Markets and stores are plentiful and well-stocked with other imported food commodities, largely from Australia and New Zealand.

Suppliers are generally reliable, and the government will privilege national procurement over importing emergency relief items. This being said, even if nearly all NF humanitarian items (shelters, cooking kits, hygiene kits) may be found in country, the local suppliers only maintain stocks fitting with the general needs of the country, and are not ready for a surge, or for signing stand-by agreements/buffer stocks agreements with the humanitarian agencies.

In 2016, Samoa exported $89.9M and imported $427M.

The top exports of Samoa were Insulated Wire ($21.4M) (since been discontinued), Non-fillet Frozen Fish ($18.7M), and Refined Petroleum ($12M) transhipped to smaller Pacific neighbours such as Tokelau. Its top imports are Refined Petroleum($41.3M), Coated Flat-Rolled Iron($20.4M), Poultry Meat ($17.8M), and cars ($13.1M).

Samoa is not a major manufacturing economy, but it does manufacture some processed agricultural products such as fruit juices and coconut products.

Generic country information can be located from sources, which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a general overview of country data related to the service and supply sectors, please consult the following sources:

The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC):  https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/wsm/

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: The 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.

There is an abundance of local Samoan labour available. All workers and employers in the private sector, including government corporations and state-owned enterprises, are covered under regulations and laws such as the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013, and the Labour and Employment Relations Regulations 2016. This act is a rebuilding of the 1972 act, which now takes into consideration the International Labour Organisation Conventions, which addresses the safeguarding of workers, and relevancy of practices. These laws are in place to ensure employers and workers are afforded certain rights, as well as to require that both parties fulfil their lawful obligations.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour deal with all complaints and grievances. The standard process for dealing with grievances ranges up to two months, and extensions may be required in some circumstances depending on the nature of the grievance, and how employers cooperate with legal obligations under the laws.