Hon. Ditoka Explores Potential Cooperation with PETRONAS on Fuel Security and Energy Resilience

Kuala Lumpur, 10 August 2026 |The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Fiji, Honourable Sakiasi Ditoka today met with Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Downstream, PETRONAS, Datuk Sazali Hamzah, to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation on Fiji’s fuel security and long-term energy resilience.

PETRONAS is a Malaysian state-owned oil and gas multinational company headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting with PETRONAS forms part of Minister Ditoka’s official working visit to Malaysia and follows Fiji’s recent high-level engagements with Singapore and Australia to strengthen international partnerships in response to continuing volatility in global fuel markets.

Minister Ditoka highlighted Fiji’s particular vulnerability as a small island developing state dependent on imported petroleum products, noting that disruptions to international shipping, rising freight costs and congestion can have significant consequences for Fiji and the wider Pacific.

A key area of discussion was the potential for Fiji to be considered within PETRONAS’ existing arrangements for oil storage and stockpiling with international partner countries.

“The recent global fuel volatility and Middle East shipping disruptions have underscored that small island developing nations cannot rely solely on spot-market arrangements,” stated Hon. Minister Ditoka. “Securing Fiji’s energy supply chain is vital not only for our 900,000 citizens but also for our maritime neighbours who rely on Fiji as a regional hub. Partnering with a global energy leader like PETRONAS allows the Coalition Government to build true long-term resilience for Fiji and the wider Blue Pacific.”

The meeting also explored opportunities for technical expertise to support Fiji’s development of a National Fuel Security Strategy and fuel storage and supply-chain infrastructure.

Looking beyond immediate fuel security, Minister Ditoka also welcomed PETRONAS’ growing investments in renewable energy, sustainable biofuels and lower-carbon energy solutions. Fiji expressed interest in exploring potential opportunities for Malaysian expertise and investment to support Fiji’s transition towards cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

“Fiji is looking to build resilience, not dependence. We want to work with partners who can help us strengthen our systems, diversify our options and prepare for the future. We see PETRONAS as a potential partner in that journey,” Minister Ditoka said.

The meeting concluded with agreement to continue discussions through the respective technical and official channels to identify practical areas for collaboration between Fiji and PETRONAS.