AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Food Pressure: PNG’s fuel supply is being called “stable” by the ICCC after recent disruptions were blamed mainly on delayed subsidy payments, with fuel trucks running through the night and most centres returning to normal. Digital Control: PNG is starting nationwide internet content filtering, with NICTA and the Office of Censorship pushing ISPs to comply under phased enforcement. Gold & Enforcement: PNG airport security intercepted another alleged gold attempt at Jacksons International, confiscating raw gold and silver and referring the case for investigation. Politics & Rugby League: Opposition leader James Nomane renewed pressure on PM James Marape, arguing rugby league publicity and the PNG Chiefs project are distracting from economic pain. State Revenue: Newmont Lihir Gold paid PNG’s highest first instalment corporate tax to the IRC this year (K852m). Sports & Pride: The PNG Barramundis returned as East Asia-Pacific T20 qualifier champions, while the PNGDF-linked DRUC prepares for Cairns 7s. Local Development: Kandrian Gloucester launched MV Hiruoi, a district-owned vessel aimed at boosting transport and services.

Humanitarian Surge: The US is backing an expanded IOM emergency response to Tropical Cyclone Maila with USD 2m, as access limits in Milne Bay and remote islands leave early assessment gaps. Border Watch: PNG airport security intercepted an Australian passenger trying to export gold and silver from Jacksons International, with the case now with Customs Investigation. Fuel Relief: The ICCC says retail pump prices have eased after subsidy payments reached importers, bringing prices back toward March levels—while warning operators not to overcharge. Women in Politics: A new PNG rule requires parties to field women candidates at a 10% quota, but experts say it will only be proven in the 2027 election. Blue Pacific Security: Fiji and the AFP launched a Pacific Transnational Crime Summit to tackle illicit drugs, citing 17 tonnes seized since January. Energy & Transport: Pacific ministers wrapped PRETMM6 with the Manubada Call to speed up energy access and maritime connectivity. Mining Push: Geopacific released a robust Woodlark gold feasibility study, while Maronan secured a $22m strategic investment for silver drilling and planning.

Fuel Relief Watch: PNG’s fuel watchdog says pump prices have eased after subsidy payments reached importers, bringing petrol, diesel and kerosene back toward March levels—while warning stations and PMV operators not to charge above approved ceilings as checks continue. Telecom Push: Australia has formally kicked off a PNG Telecommunications Blueprint process, aiming for affordable, reliable connectivity to lift the economy and everyday services. Women in Politics: A new PNG election rule requires political parties to field women candidates (10% of endorsed candidates), but analysts say it still needs to prove it can change outcomes in the 2027 vote. Maritime Momentum: Women across PNG’s maritime sector marked International Day for Women in Maritime, highlighting their role in ports and trade. Bougainville Update: ABG Vice President Ezekiel Masatt told Parliament progress is moving through post-referendum consultations, with independence efforts anchored in the Peace Agreement pathway. Regional Security: Fiji and the AFP opened a Pacific transnational crime summit targeting illicit drugs, with new coordination plans for the region.

Fuel Relief in PNG: The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission says retail petrol, diesel and kerosene prices have fallen after government subsidy support reached fuel importers, bringing pump prices back to March 2026 levels and helping prevent a second month of increases. Fuel Supply Fix: PNG PM James Marape has apologized for weekend shortages and panic buying, blaming delayed government payments to suppliers, and says a K190 million support package is stabilising the market until mid-June. Blue Pacific Push: Pacific Energy and Transport Ministers wrapped PRETMM6 in Port Moresby with the Manubada Call to Action, urging faster delivery on energy security and maritime connectivity, including a just transition toward renewables. Business Readiness: BSP is urging PNG SMEs to build capability now for the coming “project super-cycle,” while TISA Bank runs SME road shows to bring lending and support closer to communities. Diplomacy Milestone: PNG and South Korea mark 50 years of ties with pledges to deepen cooperation, including clean energy and digital transformation.

Water Crisis Watch: Divers have inspected a major rupture in the Rouna 1/3 raw water pipeline feeding Port Moresby, with repairs expected to be technically challenging and carried out over the coming weeks. Fuel & Cost-of-Living: PM James Marape has apologised for weekend fuel shortages and panic buying, saying delays in government payment processes left suppliers uncertain; a K190 million support package is meant to stabilise prices into mid-June. Diplomacy: PNG and South Korea marked 50 years of ties with pledges to deepen cooperation, including clean energy, digital transformation and climate response. Climate/Trade Push: Marape is in France for talks with President Macron on climate, trade and investment, including sustainable fisheries and agricultural exports. Women’s Safety at Work: Pacific partners launched a regional campaign urging action against workplace violence and harassment, citing high reported rates in PNG and across the region. Energy Transition: Kumul Petroleum says it wants to develop smaller gas discoveries alongside LNG as PNG navigates the shift to renewables.

Fuel & Cost-of-Living: PM James Marape says fuel supply is being stabilised and importers’ subsidy support is now being processed after weekend disruptions, while PNG CORE warns suppliers are shifting to market-based pricing from May 15 due to subsidy reimbursement delays—so expect retail prices to track global rates. Infrastructure for Jobs: Marape points to West New Britain’s Kimbe–Kokopo road corridor as proof that transport links can pull agriculture forward, and he pushes Connect PNG roads as “economic corridors” to unlock farming, fisheries, tourism and downstream growth. Energy Transition: Kumul Petroleum says it’s looking to move smaller gas discoveries toward development alongside LNG, arguing PNG still has gas but needs speed. SME Push: BSP urges SMEs to build capability now for a “project super-cycle,” and TISA Bank runs SME road shows in Alotau to expand access to lending and business support. Community & Sports: Misima Minerals backs Misima correctional services with food supplies; Pacific Corporate sponsors USSY rugby league with K50,000; and Connor Watson arrives in Port Moresby to tour Chiefs facilities as PNG’s NRL expansion targets key signings. Environment & Diplomacy: PNG hosted the Melanesian Ocean Summit, reaffirming the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves; China reiterates disaster-response support; and Marape heads to France for a state visit.

Youth & District Sport: Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Mugua Dilu relaunched the 2026 MD Peace Cup at Kundiawa Dickson’s Oval, urging youth to stay drug- and alcohol-free and promising to push stalled projects and upgrade Dickson’s Oval to PNG RFL standards, with top players in line for the Rigo Rice Cup in Port Moresby. Fuel Subsidy Shock: PNG CORE says fuel suppliers will shift to market-based pricing from May 15 after delays and uncertainty in government subsidy reimbursements—though it insists there’s no fuel shortage—while NCD leaders say supply will resume immediately using subsidised April prices. Finance for the Provinces: BSP reopened its Tari branch in Hela, calling it a boost for financial inclusion for farmers and SMEs. Ocean & Regional Growth: PNG used the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby to put the “blue economy” at the centre of regional plans, while also highlighting gender and economic commitments at Women Deliver 2026. Disaster Support: China reaffirmed long-term disaster response backing, including a new US$1m cash handover to PNG. Policy Pressure: PNG CORE also warned fuel prices will follow market rates amid subsidy uncertainty.

Fuel Crunch Watch: PNG CORE says fuel suppliers will shift back to market-based pricing after delays in government subsidy reimbursements, warning some outlets could face disruption even as it insists there’s no nationwide shortage. Capital Update: NCD Governor Powes Parkop says fuel supply will resume immediately across Port Moresby and nationwide at the subsidised April price, after talks with major importers and PM Marape/Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey. Diplomacy & Trade: Fiji’s foreign minister talks with PNG’s Justin Tkatchenko on boosting Fijian market access and a development cooperation agreement, while PM Marape heads to France for a state visit to deepen ties. Climate Courtroom Push: Vanuatu’s UN resolution is set for a May 20 vote to turn the ICJ’s climate advisory opinion into clearer legal accountability. Sports & Society: PNG Games move to Port Moresby for 2026 after Southern Highlands postponement; in the community, book donations and a new rural birthing house project expand family support.

Fuel Crunch Watch: PNG CORE says fuel suppliers are moving back to market-based pricing after delays in government subsidy reimbursements, warning some outlets could feel pinch points even while it insists there’s no shortage. Immediate Relief: NCD Governor Powes Parkop says fuel supply will resume right away in Port Moresby and nationwide at the subsidised April rate after talks with major importers, with the next subsidy tranche due before Monday, 18 May. Capital Representation: Motu Koita leader Udia Opao has been sworn onto the NCDC board as Port Moresby’s growth reshapes community life. Sports Calendar Shift: The PNG Games Southern Highlands edition is deferred to 2028, with Port Moresby stepping in for 2026. New Faces in League: Connor Watson arrives in Port Moresby, tight-lipped but “excited” about what PNG offers. Regional Links: PNG PM Marape congratulates Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, signalling continued cooperation across fisheries, trade, security and labour mobility.

PNG Games Update: The NEC has deferred the Southern Highlands edition of the 2026 PNG Games to 2028, with Port Moresby stepping in to host the 2026 event instead, keeping it aligned with the school-holiday calendar. Fuel Costs: PNG CORE says fuel prices will move back to market-based pricing from May 15 after delays in government subsidy reimbursements, warning some service stations could see availability issues even if there’s no overall shortage. Business Push: BSP urged SMEs to build capability now to cash in on PNG’s coming “super-cycle” of major resource projects, backed by BSP’s K1.2b modernisation plan. Family & Literacy: Buk bilong Pikinini marked International Day of Families by donating 3,000 library books to schools in Port Moresby and Gulf Province. Politics Context: Prime Minister Marape welcomed a Supreme Court decision dismissing a challenge to the no-confidence motion law, framing it as stability for future governments.

Fuel Watch: PNG CORE says fuel prices will rise from May 15 as suppliers move back to market-based pricing after delays in Government fuel-subsidy reimbursements—warning some stations may see availability hiccups, but insisting there’s no shortage. SME Push for the Super-Cycle: BSP urged small and medium businesses to build capability now to cash in on PNG’s coming resource projects, backing this with major banking modernisation and SME support programs. Families & Literacy: Buk bilong Pikinini donated 3,000 library books to schools in Port Moresby and Gulf Province to help restart libraries and boost reading. Solomon Islands Spillover: PNG PM Marape congratulated newly elected Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, as the region watches a new political chapter in Honiara. Governance Stability: Marape welcomed PNG’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the no-confidence amendment, calling it a win for long-term stability. Connectivity: TelkomGroup inaugurated the Pukpuk submarine cable link, strengthening Indonesia–PNG digital ties.

Connectivity Boost: Telkom Indonesia (Telin) inaugurated the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System (Puk-Puk 1) in Jayapura, a new cross-border digital link meant to strengthen Eastern Indonesia–PNG telecom ties and open a wider Asia-Pacific connectivity corridor. Fuel Price Relief: PNG CORE says the government’s fuel subsidy steps are helping shield consumers from rising global fuel costs. Court Sets Political Guardrails: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed PNG’s Supreme Court decision upholding Constitutional Amendment No.48, which blocks repeated motions of no confidence after one fails—aimed at protecting stability for long-term development. Business Leadership: Westpac PNG CEO Andrew Cairns was appointed President of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council, pushing deeper trade and investment links. Safety Training: CTSL reaffirmed its fire safety push with Basic Fire Training and Fire Warden Training for staff and tenants. Sports & Community: PNG’s Central Province renewed its sister-province partnership with the Cook Islands, while PNG netball legend Veitu Diro, 80, continues coaching.

NRL Chiefs build momentum: Wests Tigers have locked in winger Sunia Turuva with a deal through 2030, dashing talk he’d join the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 debut. Blues/NRL spotlight: Roosters prop Spencer Leniu went on record to set the record straight on his future and NSW credentials after months out of the media. PNG politics—stability win: Prime Minister James Marape hailed a Supreme Court ruling upholding the constitutional limit on repeated motions of no confidence, calling it a win for long-term stability. Oceans push: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, Marape urged Pacific and Southeast Asian leaders to unite to protect the world’s oceans. Local ties: Central Province and the Cook Islands signed a sister-province partnership covering tourism, culture, trade, education and climate action. Business/finance: TISA Bank expanded SME outreach in Alotau and signed a lease to open a Wabag branch with TISA Insurance. Sports—PNG in the mix: PNG’s YUMI FM Musik Awards return for a 20-year celebration on 23 May.

Governance Shock: Former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart has suspended her Connecticut governor campaign after a city-commissioned report alleged repeated, undocumented misuse of her city purchasing card—totaling about $207,000 over nearly a decade, with many purchases lacking receipts and including personal items—prompting calls for criminal review and her endorsement of rival Ryan Fazio. Ocean Push: Prime Minister James Marape used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to urge Pacific and Southeast Asian leaders to unite now to protect the oceans, framing it as survival for island nations. Maritime Boundaries: PNG says it will maximize its Torres Strait maritime jurisdiction after a long baseline review, with international recognition still a key step. Fisheries Enforcement: PNG’s National Fisheries Authority unveiled a bigger surveillance push, including regional command centers and a coastal radar network, to intercept illegal fishing. Business on the Move: TISA Bank is expanding SME support via roadshows in Alotau and a new Wabag branch with TISA Insurance. Sports & Culture: PNG Chiefs signal a “win” mindset as they build their inaugural NRL roster; meanwhile, PNG U-19 final squad is set for OFC qualifying in the Cook Islands.

Helicopter Claim Denied: A PNG trek guide who chartered a helicopter after airline delays to avoid cancelling clients’ trip has lost his insurance reimbursement dispute—AFCA says the policy doesn’t cover the kind of loss claimed, even though the helicopter likely reduced overall losses. NRL Chiefs Focus: Warriors coach Andrew Webster says Luke Metcalf won’t be picked while he sorts his future, calling it “dumb” to play him “in harm’s way.” PNG Chiefs Ambition: Chiefs GM Michael Chammas insists the new franchise is built to “compete and win,” with more staff and signings expected soon. UN Scrutiny: Government failed to respond to a UN inquiry over SABL and FCA logging licences misuse. Ocean Push: France backs Melanesian Ocean Summit plans to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Sports & Culture: PNG won an international award for a commemorative 50 Kina banknote; Oceania swimming in Suva shows Pacific nations closing the gap; PNG named its U-19 men’s squad for OFC qualifiers in June.

Cricket heats up PNG’s Asian Games build-up: Japan’s new Korogi Sports Park in Nagoya is hosting the East Asia-Pacific qualifiers for the 2028 men’s T20 World Cup, with PNG among the minnows taking part—fans even admit they’re learning the rules on the spot. Ocean protection gets royal backing: King Charles III has endorsed the Pacific push to protect 30% of ocean areas via the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, blending traditional knowledge with modern science. PNG governance sparks legal alarm: Opposition figures warn that a referral involving Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika could blur separation of powers. Sport and youth keep moving: Mt Hagen Academy’s women book a grand final spot; ITI donates computers to a Port Moresby school; Ok Tedi awards 21 undergraduate scholarships. Trade gets easier: TISA Bank launches direct yuan settlements for PNG-China payments.