Following the artificial scarcity and subsequent hoarding of fuel products by some dealers during the festive season, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency has suspended the operational licenses of defaulters.
In a press release dated January 4th, 2022, the agency noted an artificial shortage of petroleum products in the country during the festive season, despite the country being sufficiently stocked.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that several dealers deliberately held back sales to end-users in anticipation of a price increase. This practice is tantamount to hoarding and is an offence under Part VII, No.72 (2b), and Part VIII, No.68 of the Statutory Instruments of 2016,” the release states.
The licenses of the following gas stations were suspended:
- Mohamed Kamalobee Koroma Enterprises, Lower Allentown, NP Campbell Street, Freetown
- Total Fenesu Gas Station, Fenton Road, Bo
- Kalinda Enterprise Gas Station, Reservation Junction, Bo
- Ibrahim Saccoh gas station No.2 Kenema Highway, Bo.
“All oil marketing companies and dealers are hereby warned that companies or dealers found to deliberately hold back sales of petroleum products will be deemed to have hoarded. PRA shall not hesitate to permanently revoke licenses of companies or dealers found in breach of the above-mentioned provisions,” says the release.
The Agency also assured the public that the price of fuel is Le10,000 across the country for January 2022.
The decision to suspend the licenses of defaulters was hailed by civil societies and the public, as this has been the norm during festive seasons.
For further information, please contact the Media and Public Relations Department.
