Fuel supply guaranteed
To ensure the supply of electricity and drinking water on Bonaire after 1 April 2026, improvements to the island’s fuel supply must be made in the coming months. As of that date, the temporary permits with reduced safety requirements for the two existing fuel storage locations on Bonaire will expire. The relevant ministries are informing the Dutch House of Representatives about the changed situation and the role of the Dutch government regarding Bonaire’s fuel supply, while the Bonaire Executive Council is simultaneously informing the Island Council.
The new fuel terminal at the Airport South location can no longer be completed in time before the temporary permits for the existing fuel terminals expire. Additionally, there is no long-term support for fuel storage at this location. To ensure safe fuel storage on Bonaire from 1 April 2026, the existing fuel storage facilities in Hato and near the airport will be upgraded to meet the original safety standards. Local stakeholders have indicated that this is achievable before the deadline. For the long-term fuel supply, the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) is in contact with a potential buyer to restart operations at the bankrupt oil storage facility in the north of the island.
Since BBT (Bonaire Bon Transition, 100% owned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) will no longer build a new fuel terminal on Bonaire in the short or long term, a phase-out plan is being developed to dissolve the part of BBT that was established for this purpose. As a result, the Dutch government will no longer have a policy role in the fuel supply and this responsibility will revert to the island. A point of attention here is the 5 million euros currently present in BBT with the aim of “fuel storage” of Bonaire from the regional envelope. It is currently being explored in what way these resources can be used for the fuel supply of Bonaire. Additionally, an assessment is being made to determine whether and how the part of BBT that plays a role in Bonaire’s sustainability can continue to exist.