Cars waiting to refuel at gas station on Tongatapu, near the airport amidst fuel shortage. November 22, 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Teuila Fuatai
The Tonga government is reassuring citizens they won't need to worry about running out of fuel over the Christmas period after months of petrol shortages.
It issued a statement on 19 December, 2025 which said Pacific Energy - one of the country's two main fuel supply companies - had told Tonga's new prime minister Lord Fakafanua the supply chain for the country had returned to normal.
Supply issues into Tonga, alongside reduced fuel storage capacity due to maintenance at petrol storage facilities have led to ongoing fuel shortages in recent months. It's resulted in drivers queueing for hours outside petrol stations when pumps run dry.
The government said Pacific Energy chief executive Stephane Cadel had informed Fakafanua the fuel tanker used to supply Tonga had been repaired and was back to its regular transport schedule.
The next delivery of petrol for Nuku'alofa is scheduled for 28 December. Vava'u is due to have one two days later, 30 December, according to the government statement.
In the New Year, a delivery has been scheduled for Nuku'alofa on 13 January, and 15 January for Vava'u.
The statement also said the delivery schedule may change due to weather conditions.
Fakafanua welcomed the news, and said there should be no queues at petrol stations.
"At the same time, the public is encouraged to use our fuel resources wisely," the government statement said.
It also said the government would continue discussions with Pacific Energy on Tonga's fuel supply in the New Year.