Gas shortage, disturbing

LAST week Wednesday, February 3, 2010, we reported on our front page the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Sunyani and parts of the Brong Ahafo Region. Apparently, that was not the only region hit by this problem. Many radio stations had also reported on the problem in the Western, Volta and Central Regions respectively.

FROM the way things are going it could be deduced that the gas shortage is a nationwide problem and does not seem to be ending soon. Unfortunately whatever the cause is there has till now been no official statement as vehicles and Ghanaians continue to queue up at vending stations to buy LPG.

THE situation has resulted in long winding queues at gas filling stations located within the regional capitals of the country. That is not all; it is also bringing unnecessary difficulties on both commercial activities and commuters.

INTERESTINGLY, the few vending facilities that have the commodity, reports indicated, are exploiting the situation and raking in huge profits. This, they are able to achieve, by adjusting their pumps and allowing their fuel meters to read at a fast pace.
MEANWHILE commercial drivers in order not to bear the brunt alone have also shifted part of the cost unto the passenger. Many of these cars which use gas have been charging more than the approved fares by the state.

IN FACT, the shortage of the LPG is not helping the country in anyway, which therefore means that steps need to be taken to ensure regular and adequate supply of the commodity. We hope that the problem is not as a result of the recent fire outbreak at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

BUT, in any case if the fire outbreak is the cause, management at the refinery should not be economical with the truth. They must understand that many homes use gas for many things and therefore need to know what the real gas situation is. At least if that is relayed to us we can all brace ourselves even if it means the problem will not be resolved now.

WHATEVER the problem Ghanaians need to told the truth to avoid a situation that could still enable few misguided individuals cash in as a result of the long queues. This is because as a result of the shortage of LPG, commercial drivers are more than willing to buy the commodity at whatever price. What that means is that they would in turn pass part of the cost to the passenger and this if not checked, could create unnecessary problems in the country.

TODAY urges the authorities at the refinery to come out and tell the Ghanaian populace the truth in the LPG matter. We hope that the problem would be addressed immediately to save all of us the wahala of long queues and its attendant effects.