Authorities at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company say Liberians and the general public have 10 more days to bear the psychologically excreting pain associated with the current gasoline scarcity in the country that has led to long queues and hours at filling stations.
This is not just highly regrettable, but a serious disservice to drivers, commuters, students, public workers and the entire economy.
The authorities’ handling of the gasoline shortage that is running into nearly one month now, is found wanting. It raises question of leadership by officials of specific government institutions that are responsible for such fluid commodity that drives the economy of any nation around the world.
As a result of the current situation, the once bursting and congested streets of Monrovia are virtually deserted because drivers cannot find gasoline to put their cars in the streets. They spend hours, if not days at various TOTAL filling stations, the only provider presently here, waiting to get served.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Professor Wilson Tarpeh has persistently assured the public of adequate gasoline being in the country, but the next day, he comes with excuses and blames why the shortage continues.
Even members of the Liberian Senate are not mincing their words about the authorities’ handling of the situation with Senator J. Milton Teahjay of Sinoe County pointing to ‘gross incompetence’ by the managements of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), and the National Port Authority (NPA) respectively.
Speaking during public hearing by the Senate last week when the managements of both institutions and the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Professor Wilson Tarpeh appeared before that body to provide information about the status of the shortage, Senator Teahjay noted it is a disgrace for group of educated people to preside over such crucial sector of the economy and allow shortage of petroleum.
He describes the prevailing nightmare as a national security threat that has the propensity to put thousands of people in the streets to protest.
Liberia’s Minister of Information Lenn Eugene Nagbe attributes the problem to lack of adequate information from the agencies concern or responsible to addressing such matter.
Meanwhile, as the blame-game continues, the economy is highly affected by the less movement of goods and services, characterized by strangulation of commuters and call from the LPRC for the public to wait additional 10 days to have enough gas to meet public demands.
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