Only one petrol station in Tonga meets the government’s safety and business requirements, Minister for Trade & Economic Development Hon. Kapelieli Lanumata announced in a press conference today.
A report from the enforcement taskforce found that of the country’s 40 petrol stations, only one in Vava’u is fully compliant. The remaining 39 fall below the required standards.
“Many petrol stations on the report are non compliant,” Lanumata said.
Key violations include missing fire extinguishers, despite these being necessary for business license approvals. “Stations are not maintaining standards required of them,” he added.
The Competent Authority enforcement team, working with Fire and Emergency Services, are calling for non-compliant stations to step up else face closure by law. No other penalties will be imposed.
Tonga has 40 petrol stations: 26 in Tongatapu, 1 in ‘Eua, 5 in Vava’u, and 8 in Ha’apai. Some stations have started addressing deficiencies since the report’s release.
Lanumata emphasized that meeting safety regulations is mandatory, saying enforcement will be strict to protect public safety.
