Lead

Pacific Island nations are reeling from a fuel crisis exacerbated by the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas. The crisis has led to severe shortages and price spikes, straining communities and economies across the region, as reported by Dawn and the South China Morning Post.

Coverage comparison

Both Dawn and the South China Morning Post report that the conflict has driven up prices for diesel, petrol, and kerosene by as much as 70% in Papua New Guinea since the war began. The stories highlight that Pacific Island nations are uniquely vulnerable due to their heavy reliance on diesel for power generation—the highest in the world, according to the International Finance Corp. The South China Morning Post's coverage emphasizes the humanitarian angle, quoting Godfrey Bongomin of World Vision in Papua New Guinea, who described how communities face challenges bringing food supplies to outlying centres and that people are skipping medical appointments because transport costs have become prohibitive.

Dawn's reporting adds context on the broader threat, noting that these nations rely heavily on imported fuel and maritime links. The outlets note that Pacific countries imported about 2.2 million metric tons of gasoline, diesel, gasoil, and jet fuel in 2025, largely from Singapore and South Korea, with imports in the first half of April falling to just a quarter of March's total, according to Kpler ship-tracking data.

Key claims

  • US-Israeli war with Iran disrupting oil flows: The conflict has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, as per multiple reports.
  • 70% fuel price spike in Papua New Guinea: Aid agencies have reported dramatic price increases for diesel, petrol, and kerosene since the start of the war, affecting transportation and access to essentials.
  • Pacific Islands most reliant on diesel for power: The International Finance Corp stated in 2024 that Pacific Island nations are the most dependent on diesel for electricity generation worldwide.
  • Sharp drop in fuel imports: Ship-tracking data indicates a significant decline in fuel imports in April, with volumes falling to a quarter of March's levels, though this figure may reflect varying reporting periods.

Perspectives

The economic impact is a major concern. According to the Asian Development Bank's deputy chief economist, Abdul Abiad, even if the conflict were resolved quickly, regional growth is expected to moderate by almost a full percentage point in 2026 to 3.4%. "Even if the ceasefire holds, it will take a while for prices to come down to where they were before the conflict," he said.

Diplomatic efforts are also in play. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, stated that China is willing to maintain communication with all parties to safeguard global energy security.

Regionally, the Pacific Islands Forum troika has invoked the region's emergency response mechanism to tackle the crisis—the first time this has happened since the Covid-19 pandemic. The move signals the severity of the situation and the need for coordinated action.

As the conflict continues, Pacific Island nations are left to navigate an uncertain future, balancing immediate needs with long-term resilience against a volatile global energy market.