Energy Minister reassures public of fuel availability, black market gains momentum
By Stephen TADAHA
Many bike and car owners in the West Region have been forced to stop their engines due to fuel (gasoline) scarcity that has been rocking the entire nation for some weeks.
The situation has given birth to many black markets and a sporadic increase in the price of fuel.
Many are obliged to use adulterated fuel commonly called “zoa zoa” whose prices have increased despite its dangerous nature to many engines.
” At the Petrol station here at Toumaka, they chose their customers. The petrol is there but they refuse to sell insinuating that there is no fuel. But when some other person comes, they sell to him. It is better for me to use zoa zoa even though it destroys my engine ” declared a bike rider we met on Monday morning.
” I have no choice but to use the fuel. Cameroon has shown us many things. I parked my car for some days but I noticed that if I continue parking, I’ll not be able to feed my family. Let’s do with what we have” said another man, a driver.
In reaction to the situation, the Minister of Water and Energy Resources, Gaston Eloundou Essomba has said 13 000m3 of gasoline is already in Douala to satisfy its demand.
In a release on Monday, December 11, the Minister revealed that the scarcity was due to Meteorological issues which disrupted the loading of some four ships containing the precious liquid in Lome, Togo consequently delaying the arrival of the ships.
He however has reassured the public that 13 000m3 of fuel (gasoline) is already in Douala to satisfy local demand. The product since the night of Sunday, December 10, has been dispatched through 81 trucks and wagons for the return to normalcy by Tuesday, December 12.
He also reassured the public that fuel will be available during the festive period as two other ships will arrive this week.
