Papua New Guinea is in line to receive additional financial support from the International Monetary Fund as the country faces a softer economic outlook in 2026.
The IMF estimates that PNG’s growth will moderate to 3.8 per cent, while inflation is projected to rise to five per cent, reflecting external economic pressures.
According to an IMF statement, agreement has been reached with PNG authorities on reforms needed to complete the sixth review under the Extended Credit Facility, Extended Fund Facility, and Resilience and Sustainability Facility.

IMF mission chief Nir Klein said the economy remains stable but is expected to grow at a slower pace compared to last year’s estimated five per cent.
He said this slowdown is largely due to LNG production reaching capacity limits, as well as weaker demand for exports and higher import costs, particularly fuel, influenced by global tensions.
Upon approval by the IMF Executive Board, PNG is expected to access about US$216 million (K948 million) in funding.
This includes US$82 million (K341 million) available immediately, with up to US$134 million (K558 million) provided under climate-focused financing arrangements, bringing total IMF support to over US$1 billion.
Klein said inflation will rise as increased import costs outweigh the impact of extended GST relief.
“Performance under the fund-supported programme remains on track,” Klein said. “The authorities have made steady progress in implementing their structural reform agenda and have demonstrated strong commitment to programme objectives.”

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• PNG Airport Corruption Exposed as Gold Syndicate Infiltrates Agencies
• PNG Easipay System Down, Power Company Moves to Address Issue
• PNG Opposition Leader Slams Vagrancy Act as Anti-Poor Law
• ​PNG Constabulary Confirms Start Date for New Police Recruits

He warned that such actions undermine the integrity of institutions tasked with protecting the country.

“We cannot allow those entrusted with enforcement to betray the public trust. Some of the officers implicated are close protection officers assigned to parliamentarians, and this raises serious questions about integrity within the force,” he said.

The senior officer also spoke out against two policemen accused of stealing gold from Asian nationals at Jacksons Airport, confirming that investigations are underway and the suspects are being tracked down.

He emphasised that exposing the syndicate is only the first step, calling for stronger cooperation among agencies to eliminate the network.

Mr Turi also urged the Bank of Papua New Guinea to review its licensing processes, particularly regarding foreign participation in gold buying.

On the aviation front, NAC Acting Managing Director Dominic Kaumu said the organisation is taking decisive steps to address the issue.

“NAC is serious about addressing this. We are investigating staff who may be involved, and they will be terminated and referred to the police when identified,” he said.

Mr Kaumu said an independent security review will be carried out to strengthen safeguards at airports.

“As the gatekeepers of Papua New Guinea’s airports, we are determined to confront this issue with urgency and collaboration with all concerned organizations,” he said.

He confirmed that on March 30, NAC staff intercepted a woman attempting to smuggle gold out of Port Moresby, with the suspect allegedly hiding the metal under her clothing and attempting to bribe an officer.

Authorities say the case highlights the scale of the problem and have warned that anyone caught engaging in gold smuggling will face prosecution under PNG law.
Headlines
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• ​PNG Constabulary Confirms Start Date for New Police Recruits
• ​PNG to introduce six new seats in 2027 General Election
• PNG Commuters Stranded: Police Sound Alarm on PMVs Cutting Routes Short
• ​PNG backs new vagrancy law as leaders push for safer cities

Customers across Papua New Guinea are currently unable to access Easipay electricity tokens following a system outage affecting PNG Power Limited’s vending services.
PNG Power confirmed that the disruption is linked to a technical problem within its centralised Easipay system, which is responsible for issuing tokens for all electricity payments in PNG.

The utility provider explained that the outage has impacted all payment channels, meaning customers using different platforms are equally affected by the temporary shutdown.
However, the company has moved to calm concerns, stating clearly that no payments made during the outage will be lost.
Customers who have already paid but did not receive their tokens are being urged to keep their transaction details safe, including meter numbers, payment amounts and the method used for payment.
PNG Power said its support team will assist customers to recover their tokens once the system is back online.
The company acknowledged the disruption and emphasised that technical teams are working to restore normal service as soon as possible.

Headlines

• ​PNG Constabulary Confirms Start Date for New Police Recruits
• ​PNG to introduce six new seats in 2027 General Election
• PNG Commuters Stranded: Police Sound Alarm on PMVs Cutting Routes Short
• ​PNG backs new vagrancy law as leaders push for safer cities

Nomane maintained that penalising individuals for their economic situation reflects a failure to deal with pressing social and economic issues.

“Criminalising citizens for being poor is an abdication of the Government’s responsibility,” he said.

He pointed to ongoing problems such as unemployment, limited access to essential services, weak law enforcement, and increasing movement of people into urban centres as the real causes behind law and order concerns.

Nomane called on the Government to focus on practical strategies, including strengthening policing, improving enforcement in towns and cities, and investing in job creation, vocational training, and small business development.

“The 80 votes may dominate Parliament but they do not represent the will of the people,” Nomane said.

“Passing new legislation without fixing enforcement capacity in the policy theatre creates headlines, not outcomes.”

Meanwhile, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop defended the intent of the law, saying it is designed to target individuals involved in criminal activities rather than those living peacefully.

“Only those who want to commit crimes, especially violent crimes, should worry about that Act,” he said.

headlines

• ​PNG Constabulary Confirms Start Date for New Police Recruits
• ​PNG to introduce six new seats in 2027 General Election
• PNG Commuters Stranded: Police Sound Alarm on PMVs Cutting Routes Short
• ​PNG backs new vagrancy law as leaders push for safer cities

According to the notice, recruits will begin training on April 20, 2026, at Bomana’s National Centre of Excellence and must report at 7:45am.

Authorities have directed all selected individuals to promptly report to their Provincial Training Officers to complete necessary documentation, including acceptance letters and travel arrangements.

Applicants residing in NCD and Central Province are required to visit the Recruitment and Selection Office at Konedobu Police Headquarters to receive further instructions.

The Constabulary has provided access to the official intake list online, encouraging recruits to review details and prepare accordingly.

Contact details have also been made available for applicants seeking clarification during standard working hours.

Police leadership congratulated the successful candidates, noting that their selection signals the beginning of a demanding but rewarding path in serving communities across PNG.

Headlines
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• PNG Commuters Stranded: Police Sound Alarm on PMVs Cutting Routes Short
• ​PNG backs new vagrancy law as leaders push for safer cities
• ​PNG Engineers Break New Ground with Airbus A220 Certification
• ​PNG O’Neill Raises Concern Over Possible K12 Billion Papua LNG Concessions

The new electorates identified are Motu Koita, Baniara, Baining, Middle Sepik, Mendi Central and Anglimp, covering areas within NCD, Milne Bay, East New Britain, East Sepik, Southern Highlands and Jiwaka respectively.

Mrs Vagi said discussions are ongoing with provincial leaders and communities to ensure a smooth transition as preparations continue ahead of the national poll.

She stressed that close cooperation between national authorities and provincial administrations will be vital, especially in coordinating logistics and election processes in the newly established electorates.

Among the immediate priorities are revising the electoral roll, enhancing systems to verify voters, and securing all necessary election materials within the required timeframe.

Funding support has already been secured, with K50 million allocated for early preparations, while further arrangements will focus on clarifying roles at the provincial level to ensure effective delivery of election services.
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Headlines

• PNG Commuters Stranded: Police Sound Alarm on PMVs Cutting Routes Short
• ​PNG backs new vagrancy law as leaders push for safer cities
• ​PNG Engineers Break New Ground with Airbus A220 Certification
• ​PNG O’Neill Raises Concern Over Possible K12 Billion Papua LNG Concessions

Port Moresby City residents have been urged by Port Moresby Police to remain alert and report any Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) that fail to complete their designated routes. The call follows ongoing concerns about buses leaving passengers stranded before reaching their intended destinations.
Police say there has been an increase in complaints from commuters who are being dropped off halfway or not transported to the end of their routes. This has caused inconvenience for many residents who rely on PMVs for their daily travel across the city.

According to Port Moresby Police, such actions by some operators are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. They are now calling on the public to assist by taking photos or noting down vehicle details, including registration numbers, when such incidents occur.
Residents can report these cases through Facebook, WhatsApp, or by calling police on 112 or 325 5555. Police say public cooperation will help authorities take action against offenders and ensure PMV operators provide proper services to commuters.

Headlines
​

• ​PNG backs new vagrancy law as leaders push for safer cities
• ​PNG Engineers Break New Ground with Airbus A220 Certification
• ​PNG O’Neill Raises Concern Over Possible K12 Billion Papua LNG Concessions
• Alex Johnston Breaks NRL Try Record with Historic 213th

Governor Parkop told Parliament the approach is intended to give offenders an opportunity to reflect and reform away from urban environments where they repeatedly engage in unlawful behaviour.

He noted that the law also targets individuals involved in organising or financing tribal fights, as well as those stirring violence and ethnic divisions.

According to the Governor, the provisions will apply across major urban hubs including Lae, Kokopo, Kimbe, Mount Hagen and Madang.

He reiterated that the law is behaviour-based and will not affect individuals who are unemployed or without housing unless they are repeatedly involved in crime.

Governor Parkop further stated that enforcement remains a key challenge, noting that existing laws have often not been fully implemented.

He said exclusion periods would vary depending on the seriousness of each case, with courts having full discretion.

The Governor also highlighted complementary measures already in place, including CCTV surveillance, City Wardens and community-based safety programs.

“We are taking all necessary steps to support police and ensure a high level of safety in our cities,” he said.

“This law does not discriminate — it applies equally to everyone, whether you are unemployed, member of Parliament or a senior public official,” he said.

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• Alex Johnston Breaks NRL Try Record with Historic 213th
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• PNG Enga PPC Moves to Scrap Customary Compensation for Criminal Acts
• ​PNG Opposition Slams Guns Amnesty as “Cash for Criminals”

The achievement comes as the national carrier prepares to expand its Airbus A220 operations, placing greater emphasis on building in-country engineering capacity.

CEO Alan Milne said the recognition shows Papua New Guinea is capable of producing world-class aviation professionals.

“These four engineers represent the very best of our national talent and are the first fruits of our investment in advanced training and capability development,” Mr Milne said.

The certified engineers — John Pidik, Henry Kaunger, Abraham Gena and Edward Polau — underwent a competency-based training program aligned with international aviation standards.

Their preparation included local training in Port Moresby, followed by overseas attachments in Singapore and Canada, including exposure to Airbus facilities and operational environments.

They also completed hands-on technical work, simulator sessions and an industry attachment with Qantas Airways, before undergoing final CASA PNG examinations.

Air Niugini said a second group of engineers has already begun training, ensuring continuity in technical capability as the airline modernises its fleet.

“As we introduce the Airbus A220 into our fleet, having locally trained and CASA-certified engineers is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations,” Mr Milne said.

Headlines
​

• Alex Johnston Breaks NRL Try Record with Historic 213th
• ​PNG TSC Urges Retired Teachers to Vacate School Housing After Six Months
• PNG Enga PPC Moves to Scrap Customary Compensation for Criminal Acts
• ​PNG Opposition Slams Guns Amnesty as “Cash for Criminals”

Mr O’Neill said the administration of James Marape must approach negotiations with greater confidence when dealing with multinational companies TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil.

He explained that current global tensions affecting oil and gas operations elsewhere have created an opportunity for PNG to strengthen its bargaining position rather than make further concessions.

According to him, production setbacks faced by these companies in other regions should allow PNG to secure more favourable terms.

Mr O’Neill also referred to the 2019 Papua LNG agreement, stating that it was structured to benefit the State, including equity participation and domestic energy provisions.

He claimed delays in progressing the project have resulted in escalating costs, now estimated to be significantly higher than initial projections.

“Reports of the government offering billions in additional concessions to keep the Papua LNG project on life support are deeply concerning,” he said.

“We cannot afford to negotiate to their advantage at a cost of US$3 billion to our own people.”

Headlines
​

• Alex Johnston Breaks NRL Try Record with Historic 213th
• ​PNG TSC Urges Retired Teachers to Vacate School Housing After Six Months
• PNG Enga PPC Moves to Scrap Customary Compensation for Criminal Acts
• ​PNG Opposition Slams Guns Amnesty as “Cash for Criminals”