Gas Shortage on West Demerara creates panic among minibus operators

 

By Tracey Khan – Drakes

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Gas shortage on the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara has created panic among minibus drivers, who are now contemplating ceasing operations for the rest of the day and perhaps even tomorrow, if the situation continues.

iNews today (November, 02) spoke to minibus operators at the #32 Bus Park, who explained that to their shock this morning while trying to gas up their vehicles, they were greeted by closed gas stations along the Coast.

iNews understands that the situation is contained only to Guyoil Service Stations. Some drivers told iNews that they are faced with the question as to whether they should continue working.

According to one driver, the private gas stations will use the opportunity ti increase their price, something which will trickle down to passengers.

“Right now over so nah got gas and the price for gas here nah easy, me ain’t know if today me gon get gas to work and for tomorrow…well definitely if we ain’t get gas the country gon shut down cause people gon can’t get to go to work,” one driver said.

The reason for the unavailability is not clear at this time, however, when contacted, Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali confirmed that there is a fuel issue with Guyoil Gas Stations.

“There is definitely the unavailability of gas on the West Coast of Demerara; we’ve received the report.”

Ali could not say immediately the reason behind the shortage; whether it has to do with storage capacity or if there was a delay in an order.