Juba Residents Cautioned on Fuel Handling
The Juba City Council has issued a temporary order banning the use of containers for buying fuel from petrol stations.
Juba and other towns in South Sudan have been experiencing severe fuel shortage since the January oil shutdown. [Gurtong/ Waakhe Simon Wudu]
By Waakhe Simon WuduJUBA, 26 May 2012 [Gurtong] - The Deputy Mayor Colonel David Lokonga told Gurtong that the move is aimed at regulating oil prices and to curb illegal trade.
He added that the order will also address the rising illegal trade in most commodities following the announcement of austerity measures following the shutdown of oil production in the country in January.
“This is one way of maintaining the fuel prices and also putting a check on the black market. Reports from our investigations have revealed that a litre of petrol has gone up to 20 South Sudanese Pounds and an estimated 7 US Dollars in the black market”, said Lokonga.
Juba and neighbouring towns have been experiencing serious fuel shortages in the last two months.
Some traders have resorted to carrying fuel in containers such as jerry cans and barrels among others, with some engaging in illegal trade of the commodity.
This, according to the Deputy Mayor, has contributed to the high prices and frequent fuel shortages.
“Legal action will be taken against anyone found ferrying fuel in containers. Our police officers and security agents are on the lookout to ensure the order is implemented”, said Lokonga.
He at the same time cautioned Juba residents against keeping fuel in their houses, saying such practices can trigger fires
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