Fuel Shortage Hits Upper West

Members of the Upper West Regional Security Council, REGSEC have visited all the fuel filling stations in the Wa Municipality to verify the authenticity of the fuel shortage that has hit the region. 

The visit was necessitated by the general perception of the public that the fuel outlets in the municipality were hoarding the fuel in anticipation of price hike. 

The team led by the Outgoing Regional Minister Bede Ziedeng accompanied by the MCE of Wa and  the some Commanders of the security services inspected the underground tanks of the twelve fuel stations  that operate in the Municipality. 

A report by Radio Ghana’s Correspondent,  William Owusu Boateng, indicate that almost all the stations visited had the diesel commodity but without petrol except the Excel fuel outlet which had a remainder of one thousand and five hundred litters of petrol which was being sold to consumers during the time of visit. 

The availability of the commodity at the Excel filling station as observed attracted a long queue of motorists who appeared to be in a desperate need of the fuel. 

There was serious doubt however 
as to whether the consumers could all be served with the petrol as the commodity was on the threshold of 
exhaustion during the inspection by the team. 

The Manager of the station William Effah said in view of 
the large number of the customers characterized with rowdiness he was compelled to seek the assistance 
of the Military to keep the place in order. 

In assessment of the situation, the Outgoing Regional Minister 
Bede Ziedeng said the REGSEC will be monitoring the desk stock of the various stations to ensure they 
do not involve in any shady dealings.
 
He appealed to motorists to exercise patience as government is making frantic efforts to address the situation. 

Meanwhile, fuel retailers often referred to as wayside sellers have taken advantage of the situation to inflate the prices of the fuel which they mostly sell in bottles and mineral water containers.
 
The team managed to seize the containers of some of the retailers 
whose activities are considered illegal.

GBC