Fiji is exploring potential cooperation with Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company PETRONAS to strengthen fuel security and build greater resilience in its energy supply chain amid continuing volatility in global fuel markets.
Fiji Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka met with PETRONAS Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Downstream, Datuk Sazali Hamzah, in Kuala Lumpur during an official working visit to Malaysia.
Discussions included the possibility of Fiji being considered under PETRONAS’ existing arrangements for oil storage and stockpiling with international partner countries.
The talks also covered potential technical support for Fiji’s development of a National Fuel Security Strategy, as well as fuel storage and supply-chain infrastructure.
Ditoka said Fiji’s dependence on imported petroleum products leaves the country vulnerable to disruptions in international shipping, higher freight costs and congestion, with consequences extending across the wider Pacific.
“The recent global fuel volatility and Middle East shipping disruptions have underscored that small island developing nations cannot rely solely on spot-market arrangements,” Ditoka said.
“Securing Fiji’s energy supply chain is vital not only for our 900,000 citizens but also for our maritime neighbours who rely on Fiji as a regional hub.”
He said working with a global energy company such as PETRONAS could help Fiji build longer-term energy resilience.
“Partnering with a global energy leader like PETRONAS allows the Coalition Government to build true long-term resilience for Fiji and the wider Blue Pacific,” Ditoka said.
The discussions also examined PETRONAS’ investments in renewable energy, sustainable biofuels and lower-carbon energy solutions.
Fiji expressed interest in Malaysian expertise and potential investment in these areas as it seeks to develop cleaner and more resilient energy systems.
“Fiji is looking to build resilience, not dependence. We want to work with partners who can help us strengthen our systems, diversify our options and prepare for the future,” Ditoka said. “We see PETRONAS as a potential partner in that journey.”
Fiji and PETRONAS agreed to continue discussions through technical and official channels to identify practical areas for potential cooperation.
The proposed cooperation comes as Pacific island countries face heightened exposure to global energy and supply-chain disruptions, underscoring the importance of fuel storage, diversified supply arrangements and stronger regional energy resilience.
