, April 16 -- New Zealand says there is no immediate risk to Pacific leaders travelling to Palau for this year's Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

But Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says support is ready if the region's fuel pressures worsen although no leaders have requested assistance so far.

"At this point we don't see any risk of that. There is no risk to any fuel disruption for us and that's a good thing. But August is a long way away," Luxon told the media.

The Forum leaders meeting is the region's most important political gathering, bringing together leaders from across the Pacific to discuss shared challenges and priorities.

For many island nations, getting to Palau is not simple.

Leaders from countries like Sāmoa, Tonga, a...