Norfolk Island Fuel Supply Update

Published on 06 May 2026

Council recognises that global uncertainty and supply chain disruptions have heightened community interest in our fuel supply. As a remote location, Council understands that our fuel supply must be managed responsibly and proactively. Council would like to take the opportunity to assure the community that there are no current threats to our fuel supply.

Since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, Council has received weekly updates from Toll Group (Toll) on the status of our next fuel delivery, which is scheduled for June 2026. These updates have not indicated any supply chain issues affecting this delivery, which is still expected to arrive on schedule.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Council has also been in regular contact with Burnt Pine Fuel, who are responsible for delivering fuel from the depot at Ball Bay to institutional and commercial customers.

Burnt Pine Fuel have informed Council that draw down rates from the Ball Bay depot have been steady and are not indicating any signs of customer panic buying or stockpiling significant enough to affect continued supply. Based on this information, Council is confident that fuel will be readily available on the island through to our next delivery in June 2026.

To assist state governments and communities in the management of fuel supplies and planning for potential disruptions, the Commonwealth of Australia released a four-level National Fuel Security Plan. Norfolk Island Regional Council has modified this plan to make it Norfolk specific, as follows:

1. Level 1: Plan and Prepare - Fuel supply operates as normal, with Norfolk Island Regional Council, the Commonwealth of Australia, Burnt Pine Fuel and the Toll Group monitoring impacts of global factors. The community and its businesses are encouraged to utilise fuel responsibly. 
2. Level 2: Keeping Norfolk Island Moving - Fuel supply continues to operate effectively, but minor disruptions are expected to occur, such as a one or two week shipment delay. The community and its businesses are encouraged to consider reducing their fuel use to what is reasonably necessary in order to lower the overall fuel utilisation rate and protect the bulk storage buffer. 
3. Level 3: Take Targeted Action - Fuel supply is being impacted by longer delivery delays, recurring delays or a reduction in the amount of fuel available to be delivered. Council and its partners will consider implementing arrangements for alternative supplies on an emergency basis as well as advocate for additional support from the Australian government. Council may consider applying fuel supply protection measures at this level. 
4. Level 4: Protecting Critical Services for the Norfolk Island Community - Ongoing supply disruptions require Council action to ensure critical functions, such as power generation and aviation, continue unimpeded. Council will take steps to restrict or prioritise fuel supplies on-Island in accordance with the Fuel Emergency Act 2005 (NI). 

Under the Plan, Council is currently at Level 1: Plan and Prepare.

At this level, fuel supplies are operating as normal, although global factors impacting supply and distribution are being monitored.

We will continue to actively monitor the fuel supply and keep the community informed of any potential impacts or disruptions to our fuel supply.

Council would like to thank the community for the ongoing support and responsible use of fuel during this time of global uncertainty and unrest.

Council encourages the community to consider where small reductions in day‑to‑day fuel use may be possible. While Norfolk Island remains at Level 1 of the Fuel Security Plan and fuel supplies are operating as normal, it is sensible to remain prepared for potential disruptions and to continue using fuel responsibly.

Image description: Norfolk Island Fuel Security Plan response levels