Premix Fuel Crisis: Winneba Fishermen Lament Over Prolonged Shortage
Fishermen at Penkye Boltyard, Winneba, have expressed concerns over the prolonged shortage of premix fuel, which has persisted for over four months.
In an interview with Radio Windybay’s Florence Quansah on January 19, 2025, in Winneba, Sir Francis, a local fisherman, revealed that the persistent shortage of premix fuel has compelled them to resort to using expensive car fuel, which is straining their finances and disrupting their daily fishing activities.
The fisherman further explained that, in addition to the high cost of car fuel, they are also incurring extra expenses on oil, which would not have been necessary if they had access to premix oil, as it already contains the required oil.
Other fishermen disclosed that the car fuel is not suitable for their boats, unlike the premix fuel; as a result, their vessels are prone to frequent breakdowns when using the car fuel.
They are calling on the government to urgently come to their aid. According to them, the President promised them a better year ahead, and so they are trusting his administration to solve the issue of premix fuel as soon as possible.
“The government is not doing enough to help us. We are using a lot of expensive car fuel because we do not get premix fuel. The government promised to help resolve issues in the country. We believe they are working on a solution, but we need premix fuel to be available for peace to reign.” Sir Francis explained.
Meanwhile, the 2024 report released by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) revealed that between 2019 and 2024, there was widespread of fuel smuggle and mismanagement within the premix fuel subsidy system. As a result, nearly all of the GHS 680 million meant to stabilize fuel prices was misused, which could account for the recent shortage of premix fuel.
As of September 2024, a study conducted by the Environment and National Resource Research Initiative found out that fishermen in the country were vouching for the scrapping of the Premix Fuel Subsidy, explaining that because of the subsidy, there was frequent shortage of fuel.
Similarly, fishermen in the Penkye Boltyard community in Winneba are willing to pay full price for premix fuel and are urging the government to provide them with a reliable supply of fuel to save their livelihoods.
“Even if the government provides premix fuel at a higher price, it is still better than using the car fuel. That is because premix fuel already contains oil and is designed for our boats. We are willing to pay the full cost of premix fuel, as long as it is available,” a fisherman said.