Fuel shortage hits Tamale Metropolis

Tamale, Sept. 26, GNA - The Tamale Metropolis is facing fuel shortages as most of the petrol filling stations in the area had not received supplies, causing most motorists to park their cars and motorbikes.

Some of the fuel stations the GNA visited had only diesel on sale and the only fuel station with petrol was the Total station one along the Tamale Teaching Hospital road, which was crowded with buyers struggling for hours to buy the commodity. Jamal Ali, Assistant Manager of the Goil Station opposite the STC yard blamed the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) for causing the shortage saying, "there is no fuel even at TOR, especially petrol, so how can we get our supply".

He said the few petrol stations with fuel were only selling the remainder of the old stock obtained some weeks ago. An official of the Total station who pleaded anonymity said the station's stock would last for only one day, saying that, "We received 36,000 litres of petrol three days ago but we are left with only 10,455 litres".

He said the station sold GH¢16,455 and was waiting for more supplies but was quick to add that despite the shortage, Total would ensure that its customers get fuel.

He denied that the stations were hoarding the fuel and maintained that despite the shortage the commodity was still being sold at the old price.