Mount Hagen fuel deliveries resume

PORT MORESBY: InterOil has resumed fuel deliveries to Mount Hagen following the re-opening of the Highlands Highway.

The Highway was cut at Mindima, Chimbu Province, after a landslip destroyed a half kilometre section of the road surface eight days ago.

A temporary bypass has now been constructed, enabling tankers access to the area.

 InterOil Products Limited General Manager Peter Diezmann says four large tankers were dispatched from Lae as soon as the Highway was re-opened.

“They discharged their cargo late Wednesday and immediately returned to Lae for another load”.

Mr. Diezmann says the convoy will make a series of round trips in the coming week to ensure fuel supplies are returned to normal as soon as possible.

“We expect to be able to begin re-supplying our customers from early next week but it may take a fortnight before all of our outlets are fully stocked”, he said.

Mr. Diezmann urged customers to be patient, but assured them supplies were on the way.

The damage caused by the landslip was described as “serious” and made the road totally impassable to heavy vehicles such as fuel tankers.

The region, which also includes the Western and Southern Highlands and Enga Provinces, had been without fuel since last week.

Mr. Diezmann applauded authorities for their work in re-opening the Highway.

“Their efforts have averted a major emergency”.

  “Now the delivery of vital supplies, including a full range of fuels, can begin flowing into the area”.

Last week’s landslip occurred fifty kilometres from where a similar incident closed the same highway for a fortnight in May.

For further information

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager Media Relations - InterOil Corporation

Ph: 321 7040

Mobile: 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com