When Tuvalu recently moved to declare a state of emergency, it laid bare a major vulnerability long faced by New Zealand’s small and far-flung Pacific neighbours.

That is their heavy reliance on imported fuel – delivered through long and often fragile supply chains – to power electricity, transport and other essential services.

With a population of just over 10,600, Tuvalu spends roughly one quarter of its GDP on imported petroleum. With limited storage capacity and few alternatives, it requires regular diesel shipments to keep the lights on and services running.

In a country where fuel is already an expensive commodity, the crisis in the Middle East has sent local prices surging even higher, with diesel up 40% and petrol about 30%.

The situation may yet grow worse, with the possibility of no consistent shipments beyond June. By declaring a two-week state of emergency, Tuvalu’s government has granted itself special powers to ration supplies and manage services.

While this may ease immediate pressures, it won’t resolve those deeper, structural problems with the wider region’s fuel security.

For New Zealand, which recently took these worries to the White House, this moment presents an important opportunity to........

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