The price of fuel in Tonga has increased sharply.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, the price of petrol on the main island of Tongatapu is now 1 US dollar and 64 cents a litre, a rise of 32 cents.
Diesel and kerosene have seen similar hikes.
The Secretary for the Ministry's Competence Authority, who sets the prices, Pauline Siasay, says because the prices are influenced by the market in Singapore, there isn't much that can be done to avoid them.
However, Ms Siasay says the government is looking at measures to ease the impact of price rises.
"We're looking at measures to decrease the taxes. We are also looking at having the petroleum imported directly from Singapore. This issue has been with the government for quite some time and there is negotiation in progress so we're looking forward to having this implemented soon."
Pauline Siasay.
