Port Vila, Vanuatu - April 17th, 2026 — The Government of Vanuatu advises the public of an imminent increase in domestic fuel prices due to significant changes in the global oil market.  

     Effective Saturday, 18 April 2026, the retail price of petrol will increase from 166 Vatu per litre to 223 Vatu per litre. The price of diesel will increase from 155 Vatu per litre to 254 Vatu per litre, with the adjustment expected to take effect early next week.  

     Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat said the increases are a direct consequence of ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.  

     “These developments are beyond the control of the Government of Vanuatu and are affecting countries worldwide, not Vanuatu alone,” Prime Minister Napat said. “As a small island developing state dependent on imported fuel for electricity and transport, we remain highly vulnerable to these external shocks. The landing cost of fuel at our shores is set by international market forces outside our influence.”  

     To cushion the impact on the economy and livelihoods, the Government will implement a temporary support mechanism over six months. Assistance will be targeted at critical sectors: electricity for utility company (UNELCO), sea transport, air transport, public land transport, and agriculture.  

     The Government has held discussions with UNELCO to ensure electricity bills do not increase.  

     “With the excise refund approved by the Council of Ministers yesterday, households and businesses will not see higher electricity bills as a result of this fuel price adjustment,” he said. “Our priority is to protect essential services and limit cost increases being passed on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services.”  

     The Government also confirms that it has held discussions with the Port Vila Land Transport Authority (PLTA) to ensure that with the cash subsidy to transport owners, bus fares and other costs will also not go up.

     Due to the scale of the increase, the Government acknowledged it will not be able to support all fuel consumers. The targeted approach focuses on sectors essential to the functioning of the economy and service delivery.  

     Government strongly discourages stockpiling of fuel for future use or resale at inflated prices and will work with fuel suppliers and relevant authorities to monitor supply and ensure fair access for all.  

     Citizens, particularly private vehicle owners, are urged to adopt fuel-efficient practices. Reducing unnecessary travel, maintaining vehicles properly, and carpooling where possible will help mitigate the impact of rising costs.  

     “The factors driving these price increases are outside national control,” Prime Minister Napat said. “But every effort is being made to manage their impact responsibly and equitably. Government will closely monitor developments in the Middle East and global fuel markets over the next three months.” 

    The Government has launched an initiative to develop a Sustainable Blue Economy Roadmap, led by the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs with support from the Waitt Institute through Blue Prosperity Vanuatu (BPV).

     The Roadmap aims to provide a guide towards the development of Vanuatu's Blue Economy, to demonstrate how healthy, protected ocean areas can drive economic growth, and to outline a clear path to establishing a prosperous ocean economy.

     "This Roadmap reflects our Government's vision for a Stable, Sustainable, and Prosperous Vanuatu, as set out in our National Development Plan. It is a key priority for our Government and for the future of our people and our ocean. We are grateful for the support from the Waitt Institute and Blue Prosperity Vanuatu," said Honorable Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

     To advance the development of the Roadmap, Waitt Institute President Mike Goldman and Chairman Ted Waitt traveled to Port Vila to progress the partnership with the Honorable Prime Minister and the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo Rasou.

     "Vanuatu has enormous untapped potential to grow its ocean related economies in a sustainable way, and we are proud to support that process," said Waitt Institute President Mike Goldman.

     A Blue Economy Task Force is being established to help steer the Sustainable Blue Economy Roadmap. The Task Force will be chaired by the Director of the Department of Finance and will have representatives from the government departments that play roles in the Blue Economy. The Roadmap development process will engage government agencies, private sector businesses, communities, and ocean experts.

     The Roadmap reflects a unique economic model where ocean protection and prosperity go hand in hand, where healthy reefs, abundant fisheries, and protected seascapes sustain food security, livelihoods, and community resilience for generations to come.

     Vanuatu's recently passed Ocean Act provides the governance framework for this work. One of the central requirements of the Ocean Act is the development of a Marine Spatial Plan. The Marine Spatial Plan is a blueprint that determines how and where Vanuatu's entire ocean is used, protected, and managed, from where fishing occurs to where Marine Protected Areas are established and where new economic activities can grow.

     The Sustainable Blue Economy Roadmap is an integral part of the Marine Spatial Plan, identifying how healthy, protected ocean areas can support economic growth and innovation, generating revenue for the government and jobs for communities. The two are designed to work together: the Roadmap guides the economic vision, and the Marine Spatial Plan provides the framework for where and how that vision can be enacted.

     The Roadmap will complement the work already undertaken by Vanuatu’s marine sectors and Blue Prosperity Vanuatu. It will focus on building economic opportunities in and around Vanuatu's healthy, protected ocean areas, strengthening sectors such as aquaculture and tourism to support resilient and productive oceans. The Roadmap will be designed to ensure that the benefits of Vanuatu’s Blue Economy are realized by the National government and the communities across all six provinces.

    Port Vila, Vanuatu - March 31st, 2026 — The Sanma Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is currently assessing damage caused by last night's 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Santo and nearby islands. Preliminary reports indicate no casualties or injuries from this second major earthquake in just over a year, following the devastating December 17th, 2024 event that affected Port Vila.

     

    Assessments show power has been restored, though water services remain disconnected. However, water supply is flowing at the Northern District Hospital (NDH). Minor structural damage to some buildings has been reported, likely due to poor workmanship, highlighting the need for enforcement of the approved Building Code.

     

    Prime Minister Jotham Napat stated, "We are relieved there are no reported casualties, but we must act swiftly to address potential risks and ensure our buildings are resilient. We urge authorities to enforce our Building Code strictly to safeguard our communities."

     

    The Government awaits a report from the Sanma Emergency Operations Centre, to be tabled at the Council of Ministers this week.

    Port Vila, Vanuatu - March 12th, 2026 — The Council of Ministers (COM) today approved a Cabinet paper presented by Minister for Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat to address longstanding financial liabilities facing the Vanuatu Police Force and the Government - dating back to 2016.

    This decision once implemented, settles accumulated retirement severance payments and unpaid family allowances of the Vanuatu Police Force from 2016 up until this year, totalling approximately Vt1.8 billion.

     The payment plan targets Force members aged 54-62, many still in active duty despite having reached legal retirement age of 55 under the Police Act (CAP 105).

     The Ministry of Internal Affairs has been tasked by COM to prepare payment plans and table them at the next Supplementary Appropriation for Parliament's endorsement.

     "This decision ensures consistency in the Vanuatu Police Force operations and prevents further accrual of entitlements," said Prime Minister Jotham Napat, crediting Minister Napuat for tabling the long overdue paper.

     The Government acknowledges previous administrations' lack of foresight had contributed to the situation and is taking a proactive approach to ensure service consistency, restore organisational balance, and support operational effectiveness within the Vanuatu Police Force.

    Port Vila, Vanuatu -10th March 2026 – The Government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, where the US/Israeli conflict with Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil supply route for the Asia-Pacific region. About 80% of the region's oil passes through this strait, which has been impassable since March 2, 2026, halting oil exports from the Gulf of Arabia.

     

     The Government has engaged with Pacific Energy, Vanuatu's primary fuel importer and supplier, to assess potential impacts on national fuel supply.

    Pacific Energy has confirmed:

     

    - Current stocks are sufficient to cover usual consumption.

    - The company's supply program, based on a three-month rolling forecast, is secured, and no shortages are anticipated in the foreseeable future.

     

     However, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil production and transport facilities have led to increased oil prices and freight rates on the international market. The duration and level of these increases are currently unpredictable.

     

     The Government will maintain regular engagement with fuel suppliers and stakeholders to ensure continuity of fuel supply. The public is advised that there is no current need for concern regarding fuel availability. Unnecessary stockpiling is discouraged, as supply arrangements remain stable.

     

     The Government will provide updates should global developments significantly affect fuel supply or prices.

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