Majuro, Marshall Islands – Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) is excited to announce a historic new agreement that will help bring much more affordable gasoline to families and communities across the Marshall Islands, especially those in the outer islands who have struggled with extremely high fuel costs for far too long.
Last week in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, MEC’s Chairman and CEO signed a new bulk gasoline supply contract with Union Petrochemical (HK) Co. Limited (UPHK), MEC’s current diesel supplier. This agreement marks a major step forward in MEC’s vision to become the main wholesaler of both diesel and gasoline products in the RMI.
What This Means for Our Communities
Right now, families in the outer islands pay anywhere from $10 to $18 per gallon for gasoline – prices that make it incredibly difficult for fishermen to support their families and for communities to afford basic transportation. By purchasing gasoline in large quantities directly from the supplier, MEC will be able to offer significantly lower prices to customers throughout the Marshall Islands.
“This is about our people and our communities,” said MEC’s Chairman, the Hon. Thomas Heine. “For too long, our families in the neighboring islands have suffered under the burden of extremely high gasoline costs. Fishermen struggle to afford fuel for their boats, which affects their ability to feed and support their families. This agreement is our commitment to changing that reality and ensuring affordable fuel reaches every corner of our nation.”
A Strong Partnership for the RMI
MEC recognizes and deeply appreciates the partnership with UPHK, who has been instrumental in making this vision a reality. UPHK’s willingness to work with MEC to provide quality, affordable, and reliable fuel supply demonstrates their commitment to supporting the people of the Marshall Islands. This partnership, built on trust and shared goals, will benefit communities across the RMI for years to come.
MEC and UPHK
The Storage Tanks Are Already Here
MEC has received 16 specialized ISO storage tanks from UPHK, each 40 feet long, which are currently on site waiting for their installation area to be prepared. Once installed and commissioned by March 2026, these tanks will allow MEC to store over 300,000 gallons of gasoline, potentially making MEC the largest gasoline importer in the Marshall Islands.
MEC is already the RMI’s largest diesel importer, supplying fuel for power plants, fishing vessels, and military ships.
Understanding the Fuel Quality
The gasoline MEC will supply is graded at 92 RON (Research Octane Number) – the same quality currently available at gas stations in Majuro and a widely used standard grade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Countries like China and Indonesia use 92 RON as their standard gasoline, and it meets international quality standards.
At 92 RON, this gasoline provides reliable performance for the boats, vehicles, and generators used throughout the Marshall Islands. It’s a quality fuel that has been proven effective across the Pacific region.
First Deliveries Coming Soon
MEC aims to complete the installation and commissioning of the gasoline storage tanks by March 2026, with the first bulk gasoline order arriving the same month or shortly after. This project will also create new jobs at MEC’s petroleum department and expand the company’s operations to better serve the RMI.
A Vision for Affordable Fuel
MEC’s vision is clear: to be the primary wholesale supplier of diesel and gasoline in the Marshall Islands, providing affordable prices that help families, fishermen, and communities thrive rather than struggle. This bulk gasoline project is a major step toward making that vision a reality.
For neighboring island communities where fishing is the main source of livelihood, lower gasoline costs mean fishermen can spend less on fuel and have more money to support their families. For all Marshallese, it means more affordable transportation and lower costs for running generators and equipment.
This is just one of the many initiatives that MEC is committed to serving the people of the Marshall Islands with reliable, affordable fuel and electricity for generations to come.
About Marshalls Energy Company
The Marshalls Energy Company (MEC) is the primary electricity provider for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to communities across the nation. Through strategic partnerships and over $100 million in infrastructure investments, MEC is building a more resilient and sustainable energy future for all Marshall Islanders.