RESPONSE TO MEDIA RELEASE BY AIR NIUGINI DATED 01ST DECEMBER 2022

Media Release – Response to Media Release by Air Niugini dated 1st December 2022

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Media Release

RESPONSE TO MEDIA RELEASE BY AIR NIUGINI DATED 01ST DECEMBER 2022

Date: 01 December 2022

I refer to the public statement by Air Niugini highlighting the dispute between PUMA Energy and Bank of Papua New Guinea thereby affecting supply of aviation fuel to the airline operators.

The Bank is not in dispute but is working to ensure compliance by everyone including PUMA Energy with the Central Banking Act 2000 as amended, to ensure proper functioning of the foreign exchange market.

The Bank is working closely with the Government and assures the public that it is committed as part of its mandate to support the foreign exchange market in ensuring foreign currency is available for meeting import and other external obligations. The Bank will continue to intervene in the foreign exchange market by supplying foreign currency as and when it is necessary to assist meet overseas payments including fuel import demand.

Authorised by: Benny B M Popoitai, MBE Governor