Fuel Overview
Fuel is imported by tanker ships from Singapore and stored at the government-owned fuel farm in Sogi, Apia.
In 1998, the government nationalised all storage facilities in Samoa and then tendered the rights to distribute fuel throughout the country. Currently, Petroleum Product Supplies Ltd (PPS) has the sole rights for fuel (diesel, petrol, Jet A-1) distribution to private retail outlets, the port and airports.
Petroleum Products Supplies Limited (PPS) is a privately owned Samoan company established in 2002. In 2003, in partnership with Shell Fiji Ltd, successfully bid for the sole petroleum fuel supply and distribution contract in Samoa.
The contract is for five (5) years and involves the offshore supply of bulk petroleum fuels to the country, management and maintenance of the fuel terminal and depots on behalf of the Samoa Government, and the local distribution of bulk petroleum fuels to all customers.
Fuel farm storage capacity:
Diesel: 8,700 mt (equivalent to 70 days consumption @ av. usage of 125 mt/day) Petrol: 4,400 mt (equivalent to 56 days consumption @ av. usage of 78 mt/day)
Jet A-1: 2,400 mt (equivalent to 70 days consumption @ av. usage of 34 mt/day)
Reserve levels are kept at 18 days of consumption.
PPS has a storage capacity at Faleolo Airport of 534 mt of Jet A-1 fuel.
For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List
Information may also be found at: https://mof.gov.ws/services/energy-2/petroleum-prices/ which is updated monthly.
Fuel Pricing
The price for all petroleum fuels in Samoa is set monthly.
The price for each type of fuel is based on the monthly average of the daily Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) price plus the freight costs and local distribution costs.
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Fuel Prices per Litre as of: 01 June 2024 (local currency and USD - $) |
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Petrol |
SAT - $3.46 USD - $1.26 |
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Diesel |
SAT - $3.46 USD - $1.26 |
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Paraffin |
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Jet A-1 |
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Seasonal Variations
There are no seasons/seasonal variations in Samoa. However, Singapore wholesale prices do tend to rise in response to higher demand for heating fuel during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, and consequently affect Samoan fuel prices.
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Seasonal Variations |
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Are there national priorities in the availability of fuel? (i.e. are there restrictions or priorities for the provision of fuel such as to the military?) |
No (however if import tankers are late, PPS will prioritise local demand before supplying foreign shipping vessels. Occurs possibly once a year). |
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Is there a rationing system? |
No |
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Is fuel to lower income / vulnerable groups subsidized? |
No (N.B. Fuel cost is the same on Savai’i despite the extra transport cost.) |
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Can the local industry expand fuel supply to meet humanitarian needs? |
Imports have a 16-day transit and are booked 3 months in advance. Locating fuel from other destinations can expand supply. |
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Is it possible for a humanitarian organization to directly contract a reputable supplier / distributor to provide its fuel needs? |
Yes. |
Fuel Transportation
PPS has its own tanker trucks for distribution. It has a total of 18, ranging in capacity from 5.000 L to 30,000 L. Savai’i Island is supplied by charter vessel; the vessel’s bulk tanks carry diesel, and petrol is transported on deck using ISO tanks. The 2 small Channel Islands are not supplied by PPS. Current capacity is sufficient for local needs and the supplier could cater for increased demand if required by the humanitarian community. PPS has storage of fuel sufficient for at least 2 weeks surplus on the normal supply from abroad.
Standards, Quality and Testing
Fuel quality standards are to international specifications and a recognised New Zealand laboratory carries out all testing.
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Industry Control Measures |
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Do tanks have adequate protection against water mixing with the fuel? |
Yes |
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Are there filters in the system which monitor where fuel is loaded into aircraft? |
Yes |
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Is there adequate epoxy coating of tanks on trucks? |
Yes |
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Is there a presence of suitable firefighting equipment? |
Yes |
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Standards Authority |
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Is there a national or regional standards authority? |
No, but standards adhered to are API standards.
Jet A-1 adheres to JIG standards. |
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If yes, please identify the appropriate national and/or regional authority. |
National: Ministry of Finance has oversight for fuel purchases, facilities and distribution. Regional: |
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If yes, are the standards adequate/properly enforced? |
Yes, there are regular audits. |
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Testing Laboratories |
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Are there national testing laboratories? |
No |
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Fuel Quality Testing Laboratory |
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Company |
Petroleum Products Services Ltd |
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Name |
PPS |
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Address |
Sogi, Apia |
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Telephone and Fax |
+64 6 758 4262 |
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Contact |
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Standards Used |
DEF-STAN 091-91) |
The PPS lab does test for diesel and petrol only, the test for jet-fuel is conducted in New Zealand.
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Fuel Quality Testing Laboratory |
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Company |
Independent Petroleum Laboratory (IPL) |
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Name |
IPL Limited |
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Address |
39 Molesworth Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki, 4310, New Zealand. |
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Telephone and Fax |
+64 6 758 4262 |
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Contact |
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Standards Used |
DEF-STAN 091-91) |
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
