24 Sep 2005

Norfolk Island says fuel crisis averted

5:09 am on 24 September 2005

Norfolk Island's chief minister says the territory has been promised a shipment of fuel before the end of the month.

Geoff Gardner says the decision averts a fuel shortage after an oil tanker heading there began taking on water in its engine room and had to turn back to Australia.

Mr Gardner said many islanders had begun to fill up drums and jerry-cans in fear of running out of petrol.