Fuel deliveries resume, but Taveuni residents remain cautious

Fuel deliveries have resumed in Taveuni, but many residents and businesses are still feeling the effects of last week's shortages, with families rationing supplies and operators hoping shipping services remain reliable.

Two Pacific Energy fuel tankers arrived on the island yesterday, bringing relief after days of uncertainty caused by shipping disruptions.

Suncity Supermarket owner Rohil Chaudhari confirmed fuel deliveries had begun.

"We have received some fuel today (yesterday) and expect more tomorrow (today)," Mr Chaudhari said.

Fuel is also available at the Matei fuel station, although concerns remain because many households and tourism operators rely on generators for electricity.

Manager Operations for Taveuni Buses, Sami Prakash, said his company had secured enough fuel for about a month.

"Things are normalising now. Compared to other Public Service Vehicles operators, I have enough fuel," Mr Prakash said.

"My concern is the students, they deserve to go to school. I plan ahead, this is an island that should not be forgotten," he said.

Mr Prakash said lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic had helped him prepare for supply disruptions.

Yanuca resident Kim Apisai Rova said the past week had been "challenging and disappointing" because of interrupted inter-island shipping.

"Shipping is our lifeline," Mr Rova said.

"Everything we rely on – food, fuel, gas, building materials and medical supplies – arrives by sea."

He said uncertainty over shipping schedules had forced families to ration fuel, limit travel and carefully manage rising costs.

Businesses were also affected, with accommodation providers struggling to maintain supplies for guests.

Meanwhile, the Government has moved to reassure residents that fuel supplies will continue.

Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau said efforts were underway to ensure uninterrupted deliveries.

"We understand the importance of reliable fuel supplies for households, businesses and essential services," he said.

A Pacific Energy tanker departed Buca Bay for Taveuni yesterday aboard an RPA barge to replenish fuel stocks.

Interlink Shipping Line Ltd is also operating two scheduled Suva–Savusavu–Taveuni voyages, with one departing last night and another scheduled for July 10.

Additional fuel trucks from Pacific Energy and Legends Fuel are also being transported to the island.

Ro Filipe said the Government would continue working with stakeholders to maintain the flow of essential goods and acknowledged the cooperation of shipping operators and fuel suppliers during the disruption.