Fuel shortage hits Western Lakes capital

June 23, 2016 (RUMBEK) – Motorcyclists in Rumbek, the capital of South Sudan’s Western Lakes state have raised concerns over shortage of fuel experienced in town.

“There is completely no petrol in the town, no fuel or petrol in Rumbek’s black markets. We have eight fuel stations, but all of them are empty,” said Benjamin Abui, a motorcyclist.

Abui has, however, appealed to the state government to expedite the process of fixing the road connecting the South Sudan capital, Juba to major routes via Yirol, Rumbek, Cueibet, Wau and Abyei, describing it as “survival” routes.

“Our problem is road conditions; roads connecting Bahr el Ghazal state to Central Equatoria are very poor, if this only route is fixed, then everyone will survive in the entire Bahr el Ghazal without difficulties. Our supply business route is through Uganda, Kenya to Juba until Abyei,” he stressed.

A number of state-owned and privately owned vehicles are currently off roads due to the shortage of fuel in Rumbek.

Currently, a litre of fuel in the Lakes state capital reportedly costs about SSP 33.

Last month, the state government banned fuel sale in black markets to boost economy.

(ST)