OK Tedi to assist aviation fuel supply for Kiunga and Tabubil

Following concerns regarding potential shortages of JETA-1 fuel in Kiunga and Tabubil in recent weeks, Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto has requested assistance from Ok Tedi Mining Limited, through its subsidiary Ok Tedi Energy, to distribute aviation fuel.

Governor Yoto announced that flights to and from Kiunga and Tabubil are expected to resume this week with assistance from OTML.

He emphasized that the establishment of refueling facilities at Kiunga and Tabubil will now address the fuel shortage in the outer ports.

Yoto acknowledged OTML and its subsidiary, Ok Tedi Energy, for their diligent efforts in meeting all regulatory requirements and ensuring that JETA1 fuel was available in both Kiunga and Tabubil.

The governor said that people have asked for more flights to Kiunga and Tabubil by PNG Air, since WP owns most of the airline.

He explained that they have asked PNG Air to consider this, but the final decision is up to them because PNG Air is a separate company with its own rules.

This means that the government can't control how often flights run, and the decision is made by the airline, not the government.

"All airline companies run on a commercial decision, if that is viable then they will make the flight as it’s not a charity but runs commercial service,” Yoto said.

“Though we own PNG Air, it runs independently without any political influence. We can make a request, but it will be a commercial call by the management and outside of political pressure on the management.”