Commercial drivers park vehicles due to gas shortage

Tema, July 28, GNA -- Most commercial drivers in Tema have for the past 10 days parked their vehicles because of the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the system.

The situation has compelled domestic users of gas to resort to charcoal and its price has suddenly increased from GHc eight cedis to GHc 12 cedis per maxi bag.

A visit to some of the lorry stations by Ghana News Agency, showed that taxi and "trotro" drivers have parked their vehicles waiting for the management of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to take delivery of gas. At the Tema Community Five taxi station a driver, Mr Seth Dwamena complained that despite the explanation of the situation to his car owner, he has threatened to relieve him of the job because he failed to obtain gas to operate.

Mr Dwamena said together with some drivers, they travelled to Afienya, Doryumu, Kpone and Accra to secure gas but to no avail. Mr Isaac Abban, Secretary of Community Five GPRTU said in their eagerness to obtain fuel, the executives contacted the management of TOR for explanation of the situation. He said most of the drivers were compelled by the high cost of petrol to change to the use of gas but always became frustrated by frequent gas shortage.

"While some of the workers at TOR claim the shortage is due to a faulty pumping facility others insist the product was not available," he added. Mr Ekow Nyame a "trotro" driver said he had parked his vehicle for the past two weeks.

At the Tema Central Market, charcoal sellers have taken advantage of the gas shortage to make brisk business. Meanwhile, Mr Andrew Barfi Owusu, Distribution Manager of TOR, told GNA on telephone that they were taking delivery of 2,500 tonnes of gas from Tema port for processing immediately and would be made available to the public soon.