Samoa's sole fuel supplier is rationing jet fuel as the country experiences an "unprecedented high demand" following the reopening of the borders in August. 

Petroleum Products Supplies Limited (PPS), in a statement released on Thursday, advised that demand for jet fuel at the Faleolo International Airport has increased over the last six weeks since the resumption of international flights.

The company said they have no choice but to ration the uplift of jet fuel until the next fuel tanker is due in Samoa next week.

"Coupled with the increased flights by the scheduled airlines, there were also a high number of non-scheduled and military flights during the 60th Independence celebrations," reads the PPS statement. 

"This high demand for jet fuel is also evident throughout the region as borders reopened. As a result of this high demand, we have had to restrict jet fuel uplifts from Faleolo Airport, in order to ensure we have sufficient fuel to last until the next tanker which is scheduled to arrive on [Tuesday] September 27th."

Airlines that currently service the Apia route have also been advised of the jet fuel rationing, according to the company.

"The airlines have been advised accordingly and are working closely with us to ensure we can manage this temporary shortage in the best way possible for all concerned. 

"Flights are still operating as normal although with load restrictions for now. We expect the jet fuel stocks to return to normal by the first week of October or earlier depending on tanker arrival and completion of discharge operations and fuel testing. 

"We regret any inconvenience or disruption this may cause but we wish to reassure the public that these restrictions are only temporary."

The PPS was established in 2002 and successfully won the bid for the sole petroleum fuel distribution contract in Samoa in 2003.