War in the Middle East: What strategic fuel stocks does New Caledonia have?

In early April, government minister Christopher Gygès stated that fuel stocks are guaranteed until at least July. However, New Caledonia actually has a more comfortable margin as it holds strategic reserves in the tanks of the three companies that supply the territory (Mobil IPC, Total Energies, and the Société de Services Pétroliers).

Only the state can order the use of these reserves. In a major crisis, it can issue a decree to mobilize the stocks and prioritize their distribution. The local government, with the support of the DIMENC, determines which sectors are the most critical.

The prioritized sectors are divided into four levels: 1. Emergency services and healthcare (law enforcement, firefighters, doctors, nurses, etc.). 2. Vital functions like clean water, sanitation, and telecommunications. 3. Essential links to maintain the food supply chain. 4. Essential links to maintain territorial continuity (maritime shuttles, domestic airlines, etc.).

Decisions about mobilizing the strategic stocks are based on key factors like: – Potential disruptions in the supply chain due to natural disasters or tanker delays. – Social or political crises leading to prolonged blockages of deposits. – Global fuel shortage with no access to the resource.

Regarding the minimum stock levels, an order from May 25, 2021, defines that specialized companies in New Caledonia must reserve 13% of annual gasoline consumption, 11% diesel, and 9% kerosene. As of May 11, 2026, the strategic stocks in New Caledonia were approximately 45 days for gasoline (11,071 m3), 36 days for diesel (18,074 m3), and 32 days for kerosene (2,829 m3), in line with the order’s requirements.

To date, the strategic stocks have not been used in New Caledonia, and the ongoing situation in the Middle East is not expected to change that. The government remains optimistic, stating that there are no immediate risk of fuel shortage in the territory for the next three months. Continuous dialogue between fuel operators, the government, and ministries monitors the situation closely.

However, the possibility of a fuel shortage cannot be completely ruled out, according to René Féré, the general manager of the Société de services pétroliers. The uncertainty arises from the sanctions against Russia, requiring certifications that the fuels do not contain any Russian petroleum molecules.