THE Director of Humphrey Engineering, Humphrey Tura has advocated for the decentralization of fuel storage facilities across the country.
Currently, fuel storage stations are concentrated in Honiara City, Lunga, Honiara International Airport and Gold Ridge on Central Guadalcanal.
A few fuel depots are located in Gizo in Western Province, Taro in Choiseul Province and Auki in Malaita Province.
Speaking at the recent National Energy Summit in Honiara, Mr Tura emphasized the need for policies and frameworks that address the needs of rural communities.
“One solution is to decentralize fuel storage to the provinces. Transporting fuel in drums via shipping is inefficient. We need to establish storage facilities in designated zones to bring fuel closer to the people. It’s time to develop this system,” he said.
Mr Tura also called for greater collaboration between the national government, provincial authorities and businesses to make this a reality.
Provincial Secretary of Western Provincial Government, Patrick Toiraena highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities.
He noted that copra and cocoa producers in Simbo and Vella La Vella are struggling to transport their products to Gizo due to the high cost of fuel, which is $15 per liter.
As a result, many of their products get spoilt before they can be sold.
“We are at the end of the value chain, unable to influence prices and costs. As such, we are the first to suffer,” Mr Toiraena said.
He also pointed out that legislative and policy gaps disproportionately impact rural communities, where most farmers and producers are based.
Energy discussions, he said tend to focus on urban areas, leaving rural settings overlooked.
“We need policy interventions to attract more players into the market,” he added.
Acting Director of the Energy Division in the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification, Gabriel Aimaea revealed that the Petroleum Act of 1987 is under review.
“The Petroleum Act impacts fuel pricing. Fuel prices fluctuate monthly due to changes in the fuel component of tariffs. We are working on revising the Act to better address these issues.”
He said the ministry plans to repeal the old Act and introduce a new one.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
