FIJI GLOBAL NEWS

Beyond the headline

Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has told Fijians that the national electricity supply remains stable and secure despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran that have unsettled global energy markets. In a statement released on Friday, the utility said there are currently no immediate constraints on its ability to meet national demand, which has climbed above 200 megawatts.

The reassurance comes amid warnings that prolonged disruption to international fuel flows and rising crude prices could ripple through import-dependent Pacific economies. EFL acknowledged Fiji’s exposure, noting that nearly half of the country’s generation still relies on imported fuel. The utility said the national energy mix is now around 50 to 55 percent renewable — from hydro, biomass, wind and solar — with the remaining 45 to 50 percent produced by thermal plants.

Chief executive Fatiaki Gibson said EFL is actively managing the emerging risks but cautioned that extended interruptions to physical fuel supplies could have “downstream adverse impacts.” “Fiji’s energy sector remains resilient, and we are actively managing emerging risks. However, escalated or prolonged global disruptions to physical fuel supply volumes may have downstream adverse impacts,” he said in the statement.

To reduce near-term exposure, EFL said it is taking proactive operational steps such as optimising hydro resources to maximise non-fuelled generation and preparing contingency plans for alternative fuel generation if supply lines are constrained. The utility also reported ongoing coordination with fuel suppliers, government agencies and development partners to ensure operational readiness and to monitor market developments that might affect availability or price of fuel.

EFL reiterated its broader commitment to keep electricity reliable, affordable and sustainable while accelerating the transition towards renewables — a policy direction that, if advanced, would lessen reliance on international fuel markets over time. In the short term the company urged households and businesses to play their part by adopting energy-saving practices, including switching off unused appliances and choosing more efficient equipment to help manage demand and reduce pressure on thermal generation.

The statement is the latest development in an unfolding regional story: several Pacific governments and utilities have been monitoring fallout from the conflict for its potential to push up shipping and fuel costs. Recent reports from neighbouring countries warned of higher import bills and stressed the need for contingency planning. For Fiji, where nearly half the generation is still fuelled by imports, the EFL message aims to balance public reassurance about current system stability with a sober reminder of the island nation’s vulnerability to sustained international shocks.

EFL said it will continue to update the public as the situation evolves and as it implements measures to preserve fuel stock integrity, stabilise costs and further deploy renewable capacity where technically and economically feasible.


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