It was a chaotic scene at several gas stations across the country today as a fuel shortage hit, which the stations are blaming on delayed shipments.
The Mobil Service stations across Georgetown closed off their pumps after running out of fuel overnight. Long lines were spotted at the Guyoil service stations and the Rubis stations. The price at the Rubis stations is now higher than at other stations.
In some parts of the country, motorists were told that they could only be sold a limited amount of fuel, while at other stations, motorists could be seen fulling up gas bottles.
President Irfaan Ali called in fuel importers for a meeting at State House this afternoon and was provided with information on the delayed shipment. The President said he received assurances that fuel shipments are expected overnight and that should alleviate some of the problems at the pump.
The President’s assurances did not ease the long lines at the fuel stations with available fuel. One motorist told News Source that she was not taking any chances.
“Coming down the road, I took one hour and a half to reach at this gas station. Now that you reach here they are giving you a limit as it relates to you putting gas into your vehicle. At least they should have given us a notice, like couple days before because this thing is real stressful,” the woman said.
Another customer at the Rubis Gas Station said if the situation persists, more Guyanese may be forced to import electrical vehicles.
“Is best we start bringing in electrical vehicles because this here, this is very tough, real tough. You are only getting $5,000, so it is best you bring in electrical vehicle,” the man said.
He had hoped to full his tank, but was told that the limit is $5,000.
At the Mobil Gas Station, customers were told that there was no gas available.
“They ain’t got no gas,” a bus driver said as he held onto two empty bottles.
According to him, the fuel shortage is affecting his work. “Terribly, terribly, and it affecting everybody not only me alone,” he added.
Another driver said gas is a essential, and the shortage is taking a toll on everyone.
“Rough, rough, all over man, all over. I stopped Rubis, now I come over here to get some fuel. The line too long, too long,” the man said.
At the GuyOil Gas Station on Sheriff Street, the lines to the gas station were even longer.
“I have to come to work. I don’t know if tomorrow we will get gas, that’s a question for everybody. I don’t know, we ain’t sure,” another concerned citizen said.
He said the situation raises a number of questions, and leaves Guyanese in a state of uncertainty, particularly those who require transportation daily.
“This is high level stress situation. We really did not cater for this and we wish that within time that everything will go back to normal because is something that get the citizens very worried and concerned right now,” one man said, while his friend added “it is a very unfortunate situation. We were told that we are supposed to be getting a shipment of gas tonight but we ain’t know how sure, they sure but as you can see, everybody trying to gas up.”
According to the Office of the President, GuyOil informed the President that while shipments are expected, they are also working to secure additional supplies to meet demand. The Government said it is closely monitoring the situation.
While the shortage appears to be more widespread now, particularly in the city, towns such as Linden, have been battling a fuel shortage for weeks now, with sales being limited.
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