Príncipe rations petrol after more than two weeks of shortages
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Rádio Somos Todos Primos
Príncipe’s regional government is limiting petrol sales after more than two weeks of shortages to prevent excessive purchases, speculation and dangerous storage at home. Rationing is intended to preserve stocks until the next shipment, expected by ship next week, according to regional secretary Carlos Pinheiro, quoted by Rádio Somos Todos Primos.
The regional government of Príncipe is rationing petrol sales after more than two weeks of shortages, to limit speculation and storage at home. The measure was confirmed by Carlos Pinheiro, regional secretary for Tourism, the Economy and Culture, after long queues formed outside the island’s only official station, according to Rádio Somos Todos Primos.
The next supply is due to be delivered next week by the only vessel authorised to transport fuel to Príncipe. Carlos Pinheiro explained that deliveries from São Tomé, made in small quantities and irregularly, regularly exposed the island to shortages. He also warned of the risks associated with storing large quantities of petrol at home.
The shortage has also led Empresa de Água e Electricidade to ration electricity, with cuts between midnight and 6am. The regional government disputes this measure, as the island’s electricity is generated by diesel-powered thermal generators. It considers a new fuel reservoir to be the lasting solution, but the project remains stalled because of a lack of funding.
The situation follows the continuation of the fuel shortage in São Tomé and Príncipe, after petrol sales resumed in the archipelago on 22 October. The government of São Tomé and Príncipe attributed the shortage to a lack of resources to finance new imports, amid rising international prices.
