–adequate fuel supplies entering Guyana as importers, authorities resolve temporary disruption, PM affirms
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has assured the public that there is no need to worry about fuel availability.
He urged citizens to avoid panic buying or hoarding amidst a short and manageable disruption in fuel supplies.
“I want to stress that there is no need for concern, panic buying, or hoarding,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “sufficient fuel supplies are entering the system, and this temporary disruption is being resolved.”
The government recognised that public anxiety stemmed from reports of a supply delay. They confirmed that one major oil company faced a setback in the arrival of its shipment. However, officials clarified that the situation is already starting to improve after discussions with fuel importers. The delayed shipment has now arrived, and discharge operations are currently happening.
Importers have assured the government that supply levels will stabilise quickly. Several consignments arrived earlier on Monday, April 13, and more shipments are set to come today and throughout the rest of the week.
Breakdown of fuel arrivals this week:
Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil):
• 9,000 barrels of diesel expected on April 15, offloading Thursday morning
• 21,000 barrels of gasoline expected on April 15, offloading Thursday morning
SOL Guyana Inc.:
• 3,000 barrels of gasoline — arrived April 13; discharge underway, distribution to begin Monday evening
• 14,000 barrels of diesel — arrived April 13; discharge underway, distribution to begin Monday evening
• 12,000 barrels of gasoline — expected April 14
• 6,000 barrels of diesel — expected April 14
Rubis Guyana Inc.:
• 10,000 barrels of gasoline — arrived April 13
• 6,700 barrels low sulphur diesel — arrived April 13
• 4,500 barrels ultra-low sulphur diesel — arrived April 13
• 10,000 barrels of gasoline — expected April 14
• 18,000 barrels of diesel — expected April 14
• 3,000 barrels of aviation fuel — expected April 14
Prime Minister Phillips also used this opportunity to remind consumers not to stockpile fuel at home.
He emphasised that petroleum products are very flammable and must be handled and stored carefully.
“Storing gasoline in improper containers poses a serious fire risk and greatly increases the chances of injury, loss of life, and damage to property,” the Prime Minister warned.
The government has committed to continue monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary steps to ensure stable and reliable access to fuel across the country.
Earlier in the day, President Dr Irfaan Ali met with fuel importers to address the current fuel shortages due to shipping and logistics delays.
“I’ve been assured that shipments are expected as early as tonight, with additional supplies already being sourced to meet national demand. We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure stability and continued supply,” President Ali said in a post on his Facebook page.
