Puma Energy, a fuel and energy provider, has pointed out that the aviation industry has been struck the hardest.
Puma Energy country manager Hulala Tokome mentioned that Puma supplies 100% of the country's jet fuel needs, demand remains poor, which is in line with a global downturn in travel that has also affected this country.
He said that while most of Puma's business in PNG has remained robust, the company's employees have played a key role in this by operating in bubbles and being segregated at the refining camp, shift working at our terminal and aviation facilities, and 60% of the head office workers working from home.
“Demand for aviation fuel remains at about half the level before COVID struck and recovery will be closely tied with the nation’s recovery from the pandemic,” said Tokome.
“This is not only true of aviation but many other industrial sectors where we are seeing companies going out of business or in distress, thousands of people out of work and suffering as a result.”
He said that the country's future is in jeopardy and that everyone in PNG has a part to play in its recovery.
“We know that the pandemic can be controlled from observing other countries, but it will depend on all of us working together,” said Tokome.
“The government sets the recovery plan and enabling policies and regulations to stimulate the economy, the private sector needs to adapt to the changing environment, and all of us need to observe the Niupela Pasin measures and change our behaviour to avoid infection and reduce transmission as fast as possible.
“That means changing lifelong habits, wear masks, step up for hygiene, avoid crowds, isolate yourself when sick, minimise travel, and work virtually where possible.
“It is clear that vaccination will play a major part in recovery and research has already been shown it can reduce the rate of infection, severity and spread of the disease.”
He explained that this is a personal choice, but he urges all Puma employees to get vaccinated as soon as possible, on top of all the work they've already done in implementing stringent modern COVID work initiatives and transitioning to new ways of working to keep their families secure and healthy.
