Region One (Barima-Waini) continues to be affected by a fuel shortage as a result of the existing crisis in neighbouring Venezuela.
Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council Brentnol Ashley told this newspaper on Friday with the continuing shortage of fuel, officials from the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) visited the region to assess the situation and promised to communicate with regional officials on the way forward. Ashley said that persons continue to pay $7,000 per five gallon can of fuel.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency Mahendra Sharma told this publication that the agency has met with GUYOIL officials and engaged in discussions to address the shortage. He noted that only gasoline type fuels are in shortage. In the interim, to address the shortage, Sharma said, “Gasoline is currently being sourced in Region Two and transported to Region One.” He added that discussions are ongoing and they will have to engage stakeholders to find a more permanent solution to the fuel shortage in the region. Ashley had told Stabroek News that the shortage of fuel has been preventing regional officers from venturing into communities and carrying out their duties. He had also pointed out that residents are being forced to bear exorbitant prices for fuel and services.