By Losirene Dasalusalu of 
Diesel has run out at CITC Kavera Service Station in Rarotonga. Photo: Cook Islands News
A fuel tanker carrying diesel stock for government-owned utility Te Aponga Uira (TAU) and local supplier TOA Petroleum, as well as aviation fuel for international and domestic flights, has been further delayed, raising concerns about the impact on services in Rarotonga.
The fuel tanker Media, which is currently undergoing technical inspection and repair work in Fiji, was originally scheduled to reach Rarotonga last week.
However, following an engine failure, its arrival was first delayed to 12 November and has now been pushed further to 23 November, barring any additional delays.
TOA Petroleum, one of the two fuel suppliers in the country, gets its stock via Media. The supplier is out of stock.
Triad Petroleum, the other supplier, earlier said they have sufficient diesel for their clients and customers to last until their next shipment, which is later this month.
Electricity company TAU was also expecting its stock of diesel on the vessel.
TAU chief executive Lesley Katoa said that based on estimated power consumption, "we have current fuel stock to see us to the end of the month".
Katoa said they are updated by their fuel supplier regularly on the progress of getting fuel shipped to Rarotonga.
"We are keeping in regular contact with the supplier to monitor the situation in the event alternative solutions are required for delivery of fuel within the required timeframe."
Pacific Energy, which supplies jet (aviation) fuel to international and domestic airlines in Rarotonga, said international and domestic flights will not be affected by this delay.
However, as a precautionary measure, a NOTAM (notice to airmen) has been issued "temporarily restricting refuelling for non-scheduled flights", Pacific Energy CEO Stephane Cadel said.
"We wish to reassure all stakeholders that alternative supply solutions have been implemented to ensure continuity of aviation fuel (Jet A1) deliveries to Rarotonga," Cadel told Cook Islands News.
"As a result, no disruption to scheduled domestic or international flights is expected."
Cook Islands News understands the current stock of aviation fuel in Rarotonga can take it through to 27 November.
Pacific Energy has purchased several ISO tankers of fuel, which are arriving in the next available commercial ship estimated to arrive on 26 November.
Cadel said that as a precautionary measure, and to safeguard available stock for airlines operating regular services, a NOTAM has been issued temporarily restricting refuelling for non-scheduled flights.
The NOTAM has been issued for all unscheduled flight to the country to use alternate airports for fuel except for any medevac flights.
TOA Petroleum "generally buys 250/350 metric tons per five-to-six-week tanker schedule", its owner Brett Porter told Cook Islands News last week.
Porter said there was no contingency plan for mitigation, highlighting a need for national strategic stock holding.
"Minimum strategic stock holding is something that always needs consideration for all developed economies," he earlier said.
