Apia (Upolu) - Fuel & LPG

Fuel:

Diesel fuel is available from the fuel station north of the river.

For larger quantities, it is a much more complicated procedure and may be simpler if a number of yachts needing fuel get together to complete the process. It pays to be a little pushy so you can get the paperwork all completed in a few hours. The process is as follows:

1.  Go to the Customs Office located near the marina and write a letter asking for permission to get X thousands of liters/USg’s of duty-free fuel.  Once granted, you will be given a letter stating that you can purchase duty-free fuel.

2.  Go to the Port Authority office across the road and again write a letter stating you require permission for PPS (the refueling company) to be allowed access to the port terminal to allow them access to your vessel for bunkering.  Again you will be given a letter granting permission.

3.  With both letters in hand go to the PPS office at the other side of town (by taxi).  Show them the two letters, request a time for bunkering and pay in cash (no credit cards accepted) for your fuel.  They may take US$ but it may be advisable to go to the Western Union in town and have your currency changed into Samoan Tala.

4. An hour before bunkering contact the harbormaster on VHF: CH16 to request a place to dock the vessel/s for bunkering at the main wharf.

5. It can be difficult maneuvering at this wharf without a bow thruster and it is also edged by a shallow reef.

6. Be patient - it may take some time for the fuel truck to arrive.

Last updated:  April 2019

LPG (gas):

Twenty lbs Origin butane bottle can be exchanged at local stores (same bottles as in the Cooks, American Samoa and further west from here).

Gas refills are done at the Origin Energy plant.

European type bottles are difficult to fill - however, the following contact is able to deal with these types of the bottle: Tala at Hibiscus Gas.  Tel: 720 9441