The Cook Islands government is urging residents and visitors to conserve energy amid a coordinated response to global fuel supply pressure.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) reassured the public that the Cook Islands has a reliable supply of fuel in place, with the next shipments scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks.
However, the OPM has called on the public to play its part in conserving energy.
The global pressure on fuel supply is largely due to the current Middle East war between the United States-Israel coalition and Iran, which has caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a surge in crude oil and diesel prices.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it.
According to the OPM, global fuel markets have remained under pressure since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February, impacting both price and supply across the Pacific.
Prime Minister Mark Brown said as a nation “we have always shown that when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle”.
“We have fuel. Our next shipments are on the way. Government is leading a coordinated, all-of-government response, and we are working closely with our regional partners,” Brown said.
“What we are asking from every household, every business, and every visitor is simple: please use a little less. Every kilowatt of electricity and every litre of fuel we save now means stronger reserves for our schools, hospitals, water supply and essential services.”
Government is putting practical measures in place now to stretch supplies, manage costs and protect essential services including schools, hospitals, water supply and emergency response,
The response is being coordinated through the Energy Response Technical Working Group, bringing together the OPM, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), Cook Islands Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Te Aponga Uira (TAU), the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) and is meeting regularly to coordinate supply, demand, communications and protection of essential services.
The OPM states that while the Cook Islands has fuel on hand and supplies arriving in the coming weeks, global pressures are expected to continue to be felt across the Pacific.
It said the public service is leading by example, with conservation measures rolling out across all government agencies. These include reducing non-essential government vehicle use, setting air-conditioning no lower than 25°C, encouraging carpooling and public transport, holding meetings virtually where practical and switching off lights and equipment at the wall outside operating hours.
Financial secretary Garth Henderson said the cross-agency response was active and would continue for as long as required.
“Our Technical Working Group is bringing every relevant agency around the same table: supply, transport, the public service, our utility, tourism, and economic settings,” Henderson said.
“Our supply position is stable, and our next shipments are on the way. The most powerful thing we can do now is stretch that we have and that is something every household and business can help with.”
The Cook Islands is also engaging closely with regional partners, including New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands Forum, to share information, coordinate responses and ensure the country’s small island context is recognised in regional discussions on fuel security.
Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Karla Eggleton said the destination remained open and prepared, and that the visitor industry was stepping up alongside the public service.
“We know visitors and operators want to do their bit while they are here and during this period, and we are working closely with the sector on practical conservation measures that keep our destination running smoothly,” Eggelton said.
“The Cook Islands is open, prepared, and ready to welcome our visitors.”
The OPM said that the current measures sit alongside the Cook Islands’ long-standing commitment to a renewable energy future.
Solar capacity has been expanded from 6 megawatts to 8 megawatts, and Government’s plan is for renewables to provide “at least 60 percent of the Cook Islands’ electricity by 2030”.
“Today’s global pressures, and those expected to continue, reinforce why that transition matters – for energy security, cost of living, and the environment,” OPM said.
“Every action taken across the Cook Islands to conserve energy now is a step toward the renewable, resilient future the country is building together.”
To support people to use less private fuel, government has confirmed that Cook Islands buses will be free for the next three months, with up to four trips per day per passenger.
“Everyone is encouraged to use the bus where they can.”
Households and businesses are also encouraged to start planning now.
“Reviewing energy use, talking with family about how to reduce consumption, and preparing for ongoing pressure on the cost of fuel and energy as global markets remain unstable,” OPM recommended.
“Acting early gives households more control, helps stretch the family budget, and cushions the impact as the situation develops.”
Households are encouraged to set air-conditioners to 25°C and switch them off when leaving the room, switch appliances off at the wall (devices left on standby can use up to 10 percent of household power), run heavy appliances such as washing machines and dryers outside peak hours and turn off lights when leaving a room.
“Anyone with solar at home is encouraged to use solar-powered appliances during the day.
“For shorter trips, walking, biking, or carpooling can replace driving, and errands can be combined into a single trip.
“Businesses and tourism operators are asked to review lighting, refrigeration, and air-conditioning settings, keep doors closed in air-conditioned spaces, and stagger high-energy operations away from peak times where possible, said the OPM statement.
