Australia pledges support for Pacific fuel security

Australia has pledged support to Pacific Island countries facing rising fuel costs and supply risks, as regional leaders respond to disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in Suva during a meeting with Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the crisis was already being felt across the region, including Fiji.

“The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused unprecedented disruptions to global energy supply,” Ms Wong said.

“I know how distressing it is for the people of the Pacific, so we come with a key message to the Pacific family – Australia is a committed partner, Australia is a reliable partner, we have stood with you through challenging times and we will stand with you again today.”

The Strait supplies about 80 per cent of oil to the Pacific through Asian refineries, with countries in the region heavily reliant on imported fuel for transport, electricity, tourism and agriculture.

Ms Wong said while supply remained steady for now, Pacific countries were highly vulnerable to rising costs and future disruptions.

“Whilst no country is immune, including Australia, we recognise that the costs are disproportionately borne by those who are most vulnerable,” she said.

Australia has backed the Pacific Islands Forum’s move to invoke the Biketawa Declaration and is working with regional governments to coordinate a response.

Ms Wong said efforts were under way to stabilise fuel supply, including diplomatic engagement to reopen the Strait, coordination with major fuel suppliers and support for Pacific governments to manage immediate pressures.

“Australia is providing support and technical assistance to Pacific partners to develop and implement national response plans,” she said.

She said Australia was also working with partners including New Zealand, Japan, the United States, France, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to strengthen regional resilience.

Ms Wong stressed the importance of unity, saying regional cooperation was critical in responding to global shocks.

“This place, the Secretariat of the PIF, this is the heart of the Pacific – the heart of Pacific regionalism,” she said.

“These are extraordinary times … this is the place to be to work together on the region’s collective response.”

The meeting in Suva comes as Pacific leaders prepare for further discussions on energy security and broader regional challenges, including climate impacts.