MANY outboard motor (OBM) transport providers along with their passengers are stranded in Gizo, Western Province and could not travel back to their villages after fuel finally ran out.
On Thursday most of the fuel operators and privately operated depots in Gizo are without any fuel especially petrol.
Most OBM uses pre-mix petrol.
As a result, many of the OBM providing transport services from Vella, Rannogga, Kolombangara and other islands could not travel back to their respective islands.
Most of them are expected to spend next few days and nights in Gizo until fuel arrive likely this weekend.
Fuel supply ran out after the vessel to deliver drums of fuel to Gizo is yet to arrive.
Reports reaching this paper said that since yesterday, many of the boat drivers have been running around looking for fuel.
Gizo was packed yesterday because of the teachers’ payday. However, lack of fuel has forced many to remain in Gizo. Even the market vendors are also stranded.
Fuel is expected to arrive by boat tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a business man and depot operator said the limited supply of fuel has forced many of them to increase the price of fuel.
The businessman who refused to be named said most of the depot increased their prices last week due to delay in the arrival of fuel.
He said the increase has also affected many rural OBM operators and the travelers.
“I feel sorry for many customers out there but this is business. The fact is that we are in difficult times, we have gone down this road together even the roads get tougher,” he said.
The current price of petrol per litre is around $16 to $17 per litre. In Honiara the current price if around $10.00 per litre for petrol.
In early January the petrol costs around $12 per litre however, made a sudden increase within a month.
