A petroleum bulk-buying scheme for Pacific Island nations is being discussed at a meeting in Auckland.
Secure supplies of petrol are under threat as oil companies look to bigger markets and withdraw from the region.
A Pacific Forum adviser says the region uses 42,000 barrels per day against the global consumption of 82 million barrels a day.
Jarrod Morris says it is a tiny market and a bulk buying scheme will procure price stability and secure supply for Pacific countries.
Pacific Power Association executive director Tony Neil says supply issues have a major impact on the region's economic performance.
Mr Neil says the meeting must also consider alternatives to oil-based power generation.
Listen to Checkpoint for more details from Radio New Zealand's Pacific issues correspondent Richard Pamatatau