THE current fuel rise that takes the country by storm has forced some sea transportation operators to scale down their operation or just stop running transport since the weekend.
A statement reaching this paper yesterday said fuel price in Noro has reached $24 per litre and Munda $20 per litre.
This is a big hike from $15.50 per litre to $20 and $24 per litre. The hike of fuel in the two sub-townships in Western province happened last week.
“Those located nearby Noro and Munda have returned to paddling their dugout canoes to Noro and Munda to access government services like hospitals, market etc.,” the statement said.
The impact of the Ukraine and Russian war was blamed for this fuel rise in Solomon Islands and across the globe.
The statement added women who usually sell their garden produce in Noro and Munda are severely affected by the fuel rise because they’ve to paddle a long distance to reach their market of destinations.
In the process of paddling they’ve encountered heavy winds, downpours of rain and scorching sun.
A statement reaching this paper said most sea transportation operators have to scale down operation or just stop running transport because fuel is very expensive.
A statement concluded that if the responsible authorities are not addressing this fuel rise issue, the price will continue to rise and it will become a big problem to deal with.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Newsroom, Honiara
