18th March, 2019 The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development wishes to advise that the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) has approved the regulation of the prices for Liquid petroleum Gas for Pangai (Ha’apai) ‘Ohonua (‘Eua) and Hihifo (Niuatoputapu) to be effective from Monday, 18th March, 2019.
As a result of several complaints received from Ha’apai and Niuatoputapu on the relatively high prices for LPG compared to that sold in Tongatapu and Vava’u where LPG prices are regulated. The Competent Authority on its meeting held on the 1st February, 2019 approved to regulate the LPG pricing for Pangai, Ohonua and Hihifo, Niuatoputapu.
At the meantime, only Tongatapu and Vava’u LPG prices were regulated as the Tankers ( LCT) supplying LPG to Tonga only discharges in Tongatapu and Vava’u. Therefore all of the LPG to Ha’apai, ‘Eua and Niuatoputapu are transported by the local ferry by either the Home Gas office stationed in Pangai and Ohonua and an Agent in Niuatoputapu or otherwise directly by small operators and individuals from Nuku’alofa. The Ministry has consulted Operators in these specific islands to ensure that all costs are incorporated in determining the appropriate add-on from the retail price of LPG in Tongattapu for each town. The LPG pricing are carried out on a quarterly basis with the next LPG pricing to be effective on the 18th March, 2019 with the LPG prices for ‘Ohonua, Pangai and Hihifo incorporated.
“We are pleased with this new development as this will have a huge impact on the prices of LPG to outer islands specifically Pangai, ‘Ohonua and Hihifo” says the Acting CEO, Mr Tevita Lautaha. “ More efforts will be required from the Ministry to ensure that all other outlaying islands are also regulated.”
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Trade & Economic Development