WESTERN Provincial capital of Gizo is facing fuel shortage especially petrol since last week forcing many villagers to cut back on their traveling plans.
As a result many outboard motor (OBM) and vehicle owners are faced with the difficult situation of accessing fuel in Gizo to move around by sea and land.
In Gizo most of the fuel depots have closed their doors starting late last week and over the weekend. The remaining depots closed for business as of Monday after their last drums of fuel were all sold out.
Gizo was busy on Monday with most people traveling in to do their shopping in preparation for the 2022 academic year.
The fuel shortage came due to late arrival of boat carrying fuel from Honiara.
Most of the fuel depots in Gizo depend on fuel drums brought in by cargo boats from Honiara.
In Gizo most of the taxi services and vehicle owners are cutting back on their trips due to limited fuel.
Reports reaching the paper said, MV Florence is on its way down to the Western Province loaded with drums of fuel.
It is expected to arrive in Gizo later this weekend.
The demand for fuel in Western Province continues to rise given the traveling peak time for most students and teachers.
The fuel shortage comes as the price of fuel in Western Province also experienced an increase.
For example last month the price of a litre of mixed petrol used by most OBM was sold at $14.50 per litre. Now the price has increased to $15.00 to $15.50 per litre.
In the rural villages the price of petrol is being sold at a price of between $17 to $20 per litre.
As a result many rural villagers are struggling to pay for their boat fares to travel to Gizo to sell their market produce.
The Government last week said the price of fuel dropped by around $0.35 cents.
By MOFFAT MAMU
