21 Sep 2018

New fuel tool to prevent rip-offs in Vanuatu

3:17 pm on 21 September 2018

Energy regulators in Vanuatu are bringing in a fair pricing guide for fuel in an effort to protect the public from being overcharged.

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Photo: AFP

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community said the new pricing template will make sure fuel imported into Vanuatu by private suppliers is fair and reasonable compared with global costs.

The SPC said it will also help monitor consumption and efficiency.

At a recent workshop Energy Efficiency Advisor, Makereta Lomaloma, said Vanuatu currently imports an estimated 62 million litres of fuel annually and cost effective supply with fair pricing is essential.

The SPC said fuel is a critical commodity for Vanuatu because it powers the energy network and ensures people can access transport and maritime shipping across 80 islands spread over 1300km of Ocean.

Vanuatu Price Control Bureau's head, Henrikson Malsokle, said the new tool will mean the public has transparency on fuel price setting and fair access.