There was less panic across the country today as fuel stations were able to restart service after receiving fuel shipments overnight. However, there is some worry that the panic buying that took place on Monday could have an impact on the available fuel on the market at this time.
But the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) is expected to receive a shipment of 21,000 barrels of gasoline, and 9,000 barrels of diesel by Wednesday, the Government announced, while indicating that other major oil importers have begun to receive their consignments, despite delays, at least in one case.
The announcement came on Monday night, hours after news of a shortage of fuel sent the country into a panic, with hundreds if not thousands of motorists scrambling to purchase fuel.
In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister assured that the temporary disruption in fuel supply is being resolved, but the assurance appear not have allay the concerns of many motorists, who continued to line pump stations across city, and in other parts of the country.
Stating that there is no need for concern, panic buying or hoarding, the Office of the Prime Minister explained that while a single major oil company had experienced a delay in shipment; that shipment has since arrived.
“Importers have assured the Government that the situation will stabilize swiftly, with consignments already landed this afternoon and further shipments scheduled for tomorrow and later in the week,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Based on a schedule of fuel imports released by the Office of the Prime Minister, SOL Guyana received 3,000 barrels of gasoline and 14,000 barrels of diesel on Monday, and another shipment containing 12,000 barrels of gasoline, and 6,000 barrels of diesel was scheduled to arrive today.
Similarly, Rubis Guyana Inc, reportedly received 10,000 barrels of gasoline and more than 10,000 barrels of diesel on Monday, with another shipment of 10,000 barrels of gasoline, and 18,000 barrels of diesel expected to arrive today, April 14.
GUYOIL’s shipment is, however, expected to arrive on Wednesday, with offloading scheduled for Thursday morning. Guyoil was not facing a shortage.
The Office of the Prime Minister said the Government is monitoring the developments closely, and will take all necessary measures to guarantee stable and reliable access to fuel across the nation. Customers, however, cautioned that petroleum products are highly flammable and must be handled and stored with the greatest care.
But weighing in on the issue, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul questioned whether the amount of fuel being shipped to Guyana this week would be able to meet the demand.
“While the Government has indicated that it is monitoring the situation and that shipments of fuel are expected within days, there is strong reason to doubt whether those supplies will be sufficient. The current rush for fuel reflects not just an increased demand, but panic-driven behavior, with many individuals attempting to stock up. This, in itself, raises additional concerns, as fuel is not always being stored properly, both in terms of the containers being used and the environments in which it is being kept, creating potential safety risks,” MP Mahipaul told News Sources.
MP Mahipaul said in light of global disruptions, including tensions linked to the Israeli – US – Iran conflict, the Government should have been better prepared. He said the shortage in fuel also raises important questions about the structure of the fuel supply system in Guyana, particularly whether there are potential suppliers who may have sought entry into the market but were not granted licences, and whether the sector is being limited to a select few rather than being opened to greater competition and resilience.
“The immediate priority must be to cushion the impact on citizens. This requires improved coordination in distribution, clearer communication to avoid panic buying, and public guidance to prevent unsafe storage practices. Beyond the immediate response, there must be a broader strategy focused on diversifying suppliers, strengthening reserves, and building a more responsive and resilient system,” the Opposition MP said.
He said stability in fuel prices is critical at this time, adding that the Government should not allow increases at the pump. He said if necessary, consideration should be given to temporary subsidies to maintain current price levels.
“Any rise in cost would only place an even greater burden on hardworking Guyanese who are already feeling the strain of the shortage and heavy cost of living,” MP Mahipaul warned.
In another statement, the Alliance For Change (AFC), expressed grave disappointment and deep concern over, what it described as Government’s apparent mismanagement of the domestic fuel supply, which resulted in widespread shortages.
The party said despite clear and growing signs of a looming global energy crisis, the Government was both deliberately and negligently slow in responding to the situation. It said the lack of foresight and preparedness has now manifested in empty gas stations, long lines, and uncertainty for ordinary Guyanese who depend on fuel for their daily livelihoods.
The AFC found no comfort in the assurances by both the President and the Office of the Prime Minister that the situation is being “monitored,” contending that the Government has taken a reactive posture, and such is unacceptable.
“The AFC believes that the Government had both the time and the resources to anticipate and mitigate these challenges. Proactive engagement with suppliers, strategic stockpiling, and clear communication with the public could have significantly reduced the impact of this situation. Instead, the Guyanese people have been left unprepared and unsupported,” the party said.
It is now calling on the Government to offer a clear explanation for the current fuel shortages, and to further outline concrete steps that are being taken to restore stability in the supply of fuel.
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