By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Pacific Island governments are actively preparing contingency plans to prioritise fuel use for critical services as the Middle East crisis threatens to disrupt supplies and drive up costs, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says.
ADB Pacific Department Director General Emma Veve said governments across the region are already assessing how limited fuel reserves would be allocated if supply chains are disrupted.
“There is active thinking at the government level about where fuel would need to be directed — ensuring that essential services continue to operate,” Veve said in an interview with PACNEWS at the sidelines of the bank’s 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
She said countries are working closely with bilateral partners while the ADB stands ready to provide financial and technical support to manage the economic fallout.
The crisis is expected to increase government spending, particularly as energy utilities — often responsible for importing fuel — may require additional capital support to maintain operations.
ADB is already providing technical assistance to help governments plan for potential disruptions, with further support available if requested.
“We’ve been engaging directly with governments for more than a month now, and we’re also discussing additional support where needed,” Veve said.
Some Pacific nations have already taken precautionary measures.
Tuvalu recently declared a state of emergency, highlighting the vulnerability of small island states that depend on long and complex fuel supply chains. The Marshall Islands has also made similar declarations amid growing concerns.
In Tuvalu’s case, underlying challenges in maintaining energy infrastructure have compounded the risks, prompting urgent intervention.
Veve said the ADB has responded quickly by delivering targeted assistance, including containerised support systems to stabilise energy supply.
“Tuvalu is particularly exposed, relying on fuel shipments that move through extended supply routes, including transshipment via Fiji,” she said.
Rising fuel prices are expected to hit such countries hardest, further reinforcing the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
ADB continues to support Pacific nations in scaling up solar and other renewable energy solutions, alongside community-level efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption.
Beyond energy, the crisis could also have a knock-on effect on tourism — a key revenue source for many Pacific economies.
“As economic conditions tighten in source markets, people may travel less or spend more cautiously,” Veve said.
She noted that airlines are already consolidating flights, reducing travel options and potentially dampening visitor numbers over time.
“This may not immediately reduce arrivals, but it limits access and could eventually impact tourism-dependent economies and government revenues,” she said.
ADB has also been among the first multilateral development banks to mobilise financing in response to the crisis, positioning itself to deliver rapid support to affected member countries.
Despite the uncertainty, Veve said early planning and stronger coordination with partners are helping Pacific countries respond more proactively than in past crises.
However, she warned that prolonged instability could significantly strain already fragile economies.
“The focus now is on preparedness, protecting essential services, and building longer-term resilience,” she said.
