[ 2014-08-19 ]

Premix shortage hit Tema
Tema, Aug. 18, GNA - Fishermen operating at the
Tema Canoe Beach are yet to receive allocations of
premix fuel to power their outboard motors for
fishing expeditions.

The fishermen, with over 600 canoes last received
its allocation a week ago.

Due to the refusal of commercial banks to provide
letters of credit to the Chamber of Bulk Oil
Distribution Companies (BDCs), the country is hit
with shortage in the supply of premix fuel and
diesel.

Nii Odamettey, Tema Awudum Chief Fisherman, told
the Ghana News Agency that instead of its four
times a week allocation, they only received one
allocation last week.

Nii Odametey said this has resulted in the
inability of some of the fishermen to go to sea.

He lamented that the fishermen could not afford to
buy “super petrol” and mix it with engine oil,
which is an alternative to the premix fuel, due to
its high cost.

He explained that while a gallon of premix is sold
at GH¢7.10, just a gallon of super exceeds
GH¢10, which must be mixed with engine oil which
is also an additional cost.

The chief fisherman said the shortage of premix
fuel would add to their hardship if the situation
is not immediately solved.

According to him, even though the cold weather
comes along with the fishing season, they were yet
to get a bumper harvest, due to the activities of
vessels and the use of light and other unapproved
methods of fishing.

He called on the Ministry of Fisheries and
Aquaculture to intensify its inspections on
vessels to comply with the country's fishing
laws.

Nii Odamettey questioned the rationale for the
registering of more vessels especially Chinese
Vessels to operate and deplete the sea of
fingerlings leading to low a catch by canoe
fishermen.

Source - GNA

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