Pacific leaders meet in Fiji to address the energy crisis, strengthen fuel security, and coordinate regional response efforts.
Troika Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum met in Nadi, Fiji, on 16 April 2026 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, in his capacity as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders and Chair of the Forum Troika.
The meeting brought together incoming Chair President Surangel Whipps of Palau and outgoing Chair Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua.
Discussions focused on key regional priorities, particularly the global fuel and energy crisis and its impact on Pacific economies, including Solomon Islands.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated regional responses amid rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and increasing pressure on national energy systems.
Priority areas included strengthening fuel supply security, protecting tanker shipping routes, and enhancing national fuel storage capacity to support domestic demand.
It was noted that Solomon Islands continues to experience the effects of global fuel price volatility, alongside other Pacific nations.
Leaders also noted that Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands have declared energy emergencies, while Solomon Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia are implementing mitigation measures. Other Forum members remain under monitoring by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The Troika considered a regional scenario planning framework to guide preparedness for short-, medium-, and long-term fuel supply disruptions.
Leaders agreed to activate the Biketawa Declaration, placing the region on a coordinated high alert framework in response to the energy security situation. Consultations among Pacific leaders will continue on implementation arrangements.
A proposal for a Regional Petroleum and Fuel Security Initiative (RPFSI) was also discussed, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation on fuel supply, shipping coordination, and storage capacity. The initiative seeks to enhance collective negotiating power on fuel pricing and freight costs.
Leaders acknowledged ongoing national measures across Forum Island countries to address the impact of rising fuel costs on households, businesses, and government services.
A proposed regional declaration for peace presented by Fiji was also noted, with further steps to be progressed through Forum processes.
Updates were provided on preparations for COP31, the upcoming Pre-COP meeting in Fiji, and the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting to be hosted in Palau.
Prime Minister Manele is expected to return to Honiara on Friday, 17 April 2026, before travelling to Choiseul and Western Province to meet communities affected by Cyclone Maila.
