By alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Just as regular petrol sales had seemingly resumed in Makeni and its environs, a sudden turn of events has plunged the city into another bout of petrol scarcity. On Wednesday, some gas stations abruptly halted the sale of petrol, triggering long queues and panic among motorists and commercial motorbike riders scrambling to secure reserves.
Amidst the frenzy for petrol on Thursday afternoon, I visited several gas stations in Makeni to gauge the situation. At Leonco gas station on Azzolini Highway, where queues stretched long, frustrated motorbike riders lamented their fruitless search for petrol elsewhere before joining the queue at Leonco, only to find sales ceased there too.
Elsewhere, at gas stations like National Petroleum (NP), Malador, and Connex, owners and attendants cited petrol depletion for the day, reserving only a minimal amount for designated clients, including government agencies and private companies with pre-paid orders.
This resurgence of petrol shortage comes merely 72 hours after the city’s recent two-week bout of scarcity. While some gas station operators attribute the shortage to heightened demand, others point to delayed deliveries from suppliers in Freetown.
According to gas station representatives, anticipated deliveries were hindered by increased toll gate prices, leading to escalated transportation costs for fuel tankers. Negotiations between station owners and suppliers regarding these elevated costs remain ongoing, leaving the timeline for restocking uncertain.
The prevailing uncertainty raises concerns about a potential prolonged fuel shortage in Makeni and its surrounding areas until transportation negotiations are resolved. As the city grapples with yet another bout of petrol scarcity, motorists and commuters brace themselves for potential disruptions and economic implications. ARW/17/5/2024