The mayor of Rumbek municipality, Peter Maliap Chieny Malok, has said there is no fuel shortage in the town and has threatened to arrest those found selling and buying fuel on the black market.
Over the weekend, fuel prices in Rumbek increased from 650 to 750 SSP per one liter causing long queues of motorists in the four functioning fuel stations in Rumbek Town.
Mayor Maliap told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that there was no fuel shortage in the town but that some pump stations had closed down and that only four were operational.
“There is no shortage of fuel but the reason for queues in some fueling stations in Rumbek Town was due to the closing down of a few fuel stations. The price of fuel remains the same at 650 SSP per liter,” he said. “There was no increase in the price of fuel. Those saying that the price of fuel is at 3, 000 SSP are people who want to encourage the black market price and we are looking for them and they will be arrested immediately.”
According to the mayor, there are many fuel trucks on the way to resupply Lakes State but they have been delayed by poor road conditions as a result of rain.
John Makuer Madol, a boda-boda rider, confirmed that the price of fuel has risen to 750 SSP per liter from the 650 ceiling set by the municipality’s administration.
“It is true. A liter of fuel is sold to us at 750 SSP. Previously it was 650 SSP and it might even increase,” he said.
According to Makuer, among all the eight fueling stations in Rumbek town, only two have fuel and are working.
“They told us that the problem is in Juba and if the fuel trucks do not arrive in the next few days, the situation is going to get worse,” he said.