-Delay in shipment sees service stations supplied by SPOL run out of fuel
-SPOL advises availability today following arrival of shipment yesterday
BY NED GAGAHE
Petrol shortage was experienced in Honiara this week.
This was due to a delayed shipment, which reportedly only just arrived in Honiara yesterday evening and should replenish supplies.
The petrol shortage was experienced in fuel stations that got their supplies from the South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL). Stations supplied by Markworth Ltd were not affected.
SPOL General Manager Carson Korowa confirmed yesterday that the shipment, which had been delayed due to a cyclone in northern Australia, was expected to arrive yesterday afternoon, with petrol becoming available at service stations by this morning.
“Yes, this is true. The ship carrying the fuel was delayed for a few days because of the cyclone that recently passed through northern Australia,” Mr Korowa told Island Sun.
“Maybe by tomorrow [today] morning they [service stations] will have fuel,” he said.
The delayed shipment resulted in several fuel stations in Honiara running out of petrol earlier this week, forcing operators to pin up “petrol out of stock” notices, shocking many vehicle owners.
Island Sun observed a number of service stations displaying notices informing customers that petrol was unavailable. Reliable sources confirmed that the affected stations are customers of SPOL.
According to sources, the shortage was caused by the late arrival of the fuel tanker.
A SPOL worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told Island Sun earlier that the tanker had not yet arrived in the country.
“Hopefully it will arrive in Honiara this week,” the worker said.
Meanwhile, Markworth Oil Limited, one of the two major fuel suppliers in the country, denied reports that it had run out of petrol.
“We still have stock of petrol. All the service stations that are our customers are okay,” a Markworth Oil Limited official, who identified herself only as Sarah, said.
“Those stations that put up notices may be SPOL customers, but for us, we still have petrol,” she added.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
