By Abubakarr Bah
Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown has been experiencing a fuel shortage since last week leading to the closure of most fuel stations. Fuel dealers at Safecon, Shell, NP and Total among others could not sell petrol because they said they did not receive supply from the National Petroleum Company.
The manager of Safecon fuel station at Adelaide Street in the west of Freetown, Alimu Bah told Politico that he had not received supply since Friday. He said only diesel was available.
Commercial drivers, motobike riders aka Okada riders and fuel hawkers on Monday registered their disappointment over the petrol shortage in Freetown. They said the shortage had seriously affected their lives. “I have been struggling for petrol since Friday and cannot get even a liter to buy. My tank is almost getting empty and I wonder if I can raise the owner’s money”, a taxi driver, Brima Koroma told Politico.
He said the government should address the fuel crisis to end “our miserable condition”. Another driver, Mohamed Kamara described the shortage as “precarious for not only drivers but also residents of the city”. He said the government should ensure the situation was addressed immediately.
Meanwhile, only two fuel stations - Total at Brookfields and NP at Walpole Street - have petrol but they are overwhelmed by long queues with allegations of station attendants giving preferential treatments to certain motorists.
Politico was unable to reach the management of the National Petroleum Company for their comments on the situation.
(c) Politico 02/10/12
