Samoa on Precautionary Alert Over Fuel Supply Situation

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 5 June 2026: The Chairman of the Disaster Advisory Committee (DAC) Lealaisalanoa Frances Reupena has confirmed that Samoa is currently on the precautionary alert over the impact of the global fuel supplies situation.

She confirmed that although there is enough supply for Samoa at the moment, the Government through various sectors are preparing for the worst if it happens.

The Cabinet has approved the National Fuel Supply Plan which various Government sectors and the private sector are working towards preparations if the situation becomes critical.

Three colours of identification
Lealaisalanoa said three colours will identify the level the situation has reached.

The Green Colour indicates that there is ample supply and that Samoa supplies are stable.

The Amber Colour indicates the precautionary level and measures should be taken to address what might happen in the future. This is the level Samoa is operating at the moment.

“Although the supply is sustained but we still have to anticipate and look beyond and prepare in-case it gets critical,” Lealaisalanoa said.

The Red Colour means the situation has escalated and DAC will advise the Cabinet for a 30 day State of Emergency (SOE).

At today’s press conference, various Government sectors were invited to give an update of their preparations should an SOE be issued.

Public Service Commission- Essential Services
The Public Service Commission Secretary Aootumua Kolone Tikeri said priority is given to essential services such as health, education, food security, border security, the meteorology office and the finance sector of the Government.

He confirmed that words have already been circulated to the Government ministries and corporations to reduce the unnecessary use of vehicles and other material that operate on electricity.

He also confirmed that other services will continue but there will be changes.

Ministry of Education & Culture- Learning Packages
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education & Culture, Tauti Jenny Lauano said the Ministry’s preparations are already underway.

MEC is using the same method they used during the COVID-19 pandemic, the measles epidemic and dengue fever outbreak.

“We have prepared a learning package for the teachers, parents and students if an SOE is issued,” she said.

All schools will be closed, and they rely on good connectivity to enable the education services online.

She said internet connectivity was a challenge during the dengue fever outbreak, and they are working with the service providers to ensure connection is stable for all schools. 

Ministry of Health- Analysing Fuel Consumption
The Health Deputy Director General Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen said, they are currently doing a fuel consumption analysis on how much diesel and petrol use.

Besides the vehicles and generators which need fuel and diesel, the concern is the service provided by the incinerators and boiler machines.

“We cannot conduct surgery without the boiler which consumes 5000 litres of diesel per week for the most two weeks,” he said.

The incinerator machines are also needed to burn waste materials after surgery at a high temperature. There are also medicines that need cool places to store hence the need for high air conditioning in the rooms.

The ministry is also looking at holding off some of the health programs to the community through the main hospital and district hospitals.

Electric Power Corporation – Urge Public to utilise electricity wisely
The EPC Manager for Finance & Commerce Palelemafuta Sofia Silipa said there is no intention to ration electricity distribution as this is a vital service for Samoa.

Priority is given to developing renewable energy.

She said there is supply generated from hydro-power and solar energy, however, there is a need to develop renewable energy especially when the demand for diesel is high.

“We urge families to utilise electricity when needed,” she said.

Chamber of Commerce – Strategy to Compliment Government Plans
Business Advisor John Lemoa said the Chamber of Commerce is working on a strategy to complement the Government plans to counter the situation if it becomes critical.

What the Chamber is looking at is the continuity of businesses and promoting renewable energy transition.

“Our long-term vision is to build a sustainability and resilience and to invest in solar energy and support the coordination effort at the national level.

Today’s press conference with DAC is the first of many that will follow to inform and keep the country updated on the situation.

Lealaisalanoa also said that the National Emergency Operational Centre (NEOC) of which she is also the Chairperson, is monitoring the situation.