gas

The Tonga’s Competent Authority has confirmed that it has increased by 0.03/kg for Tongatapu and 0.02/kg for Vava’u.

“In Tongatapu, the price increased to $4.54 from $4.51 per kg.”

“Vava’u’s price increased to $4.60 from $4.58, Ha’apai is at $5.72 from $5.69, ‘Eua $5.58 from $5.55. While, Niuatoputapu increased to $6.88 from $6.85.”

The price hike is due to higher Saudi CP price flowed through the market increasing the retail prices

All prices include consumption tax.

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline restarted following a 10-day maintenance break but at a reduced level.

On Wednesday, the European Commission urged countries to cut gas use by 15% over the next seven months in case Russia switched off Europe's supply.

Russia supplied Europe with 40% of its natural gas last year.

Germany was the continent's largest importer in 2020, but has reduced its dependence on Russian gas from 55% to 35%. Eventually, it wants to stop using gas from Russia altogether.

The UK is phasing out Russian oil and the EU is sharply reducing gas imports as countries harden their response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Biden said the move meant the "American people will deal another powerful blow" to Putin's leadership.

"We will not be part of subsidising Putin's war," Biden added.

Despite mounting fears of rising gas prices, the move has widespread bipartisan political support in the US.