No fuel shortage - TOR

Tema (Greater Accra) - The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) on Tuesday attributed the current shortage of fuel to speculations by retailers, who are anticipating an increase in prices.

A source close to the refinery told newsmen that, even though, TOR's Accra Plains Depot was shut down for nearly three months for routine maintenance, provision was made to cater for any shortfalls.

The source said maintenance works at the Accra Plains Depot has been completed and it resumed full operations on Tuesday morning, thereby easing the pressure on the refinery.

Tankers were busily loading when newsmen visited the refinery.

Mr. Ignatius Doe, Executive Secretary of the Association of Tanker Owners, which loads about 200 tankers a day from the refinery, said the association has also been doing its best to distribute whatever quantity is given them.

He said it is only when there is pressure on a particular product that loading becomes slow, adding that of late the pressure has been on diesel due to its high demand.

Mr. Doe, however, said this pressure has been easing since last week.

Most of the top officials of the refinery were not available. They were said to be attending a meeting in Accra.