King tides force fuel rationing in Wewak

Fuel rationing has been introduced in Wewak because of a "critical shortage" at InterOil's regional terminal.

 The situation follows recent king tides that caused widespread disruption to northern coastal areas and damaged port facilities at Wewak.

 On two occasions, InterOil's supply vessel has been unable to berth.

 The company is now low on all fuels including gasoline and diesel.

 InterOil Products Limited General Manager Peter Diezmann said, despite the current situation, the company intended to provide all its customers with limited supplies of fuel until regular deliveries can resume.

 "We will do our best to keep our customers operational, at least to some degree, during this difficult period".

 Mr. Diezmann said he believed that "careful management of fuel stocks" was the most responsible course of action.

 "It will help ensure that everyone receives some fuel until the next scheduled delivery midway through January".

 Regular deliveries, into the area, were disrupted prior to Christmas when sea swells damaged wharf and unloading facilities.

 "The damage was quickly repaired but continued swells made the berthing of the fuel tanker extremely hazardous".

A pre-Christmas delivery voyage was diverted away from Wewak, by the master of the vessel, on the grounds of safety.

 "Since then, only a single shipment of fuel has been received", Mr. Diezmann said.

 "It came via a tanker vessel that was able to come alongside during a break in the unfavourable conditions".

 Because the seas had temporarily abated, the vessel was able to discharge its cargo of fuel.

 However a second planned berthing, over the Christmas weekend, had to be aborted because of conditions.

 Mr. Diezmann said the next scheduled cargo vessel is not due to arrive in Wewak until January 14^th.

 "Until then, we will have to make the fuel we have go as far as possible", he said.

 

 For further information

 

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager Media Relations - InterOil Corporation

Ph: 321 7040

Mobile: 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com