The scarcity of premix fuel at the various landing beaches along the coast is expected to have a significant impact on the price of fish.
Speaking to the media, the acting President of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, Nana Jojo Solomon, mentioned that fishermen purchase fuel meant for vehicles at outrageous amounts due to the unavailability of premix fuel.
Due to the exorbitant prices, fishermen are now compelled to adjust their prices in order to have a meaningful profit.
Mr Solomon, decrying the situation, stated that “we all know what the petroleum hikes come along with. Prices of everything surge. In the past, you could get a pan of fish for about GH¢400 on GH¢500, but now it’s about GH¢1000. Whatever price we buy fuel to embark on an expedition, the customer will have to pay for it because we will transfer the cost to the consumer.”
What is premix fuel?
Premix fuel is an in-country blend of fuel made for use by the fishing industry. It has similar properties to gasoline. The product is dyed blue to differentiate it from other fuels.
Challenges
Premix fuel smuggling and hoarding have become a canker in the fishing industry.
An investigative report by JoyNews revealed that some individuals are engaging in the hoarding and reselling of premix fuel, a situation accounting for the shortage of the commodity.
According to the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council, the irregular supply of premix fuel to the various landing beaches and the mismanagement of the distribution by the Landing Beach Committees, according to the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council have affected their businesses.
Demonstration
The agitated fishermen have indicated that they will soon hit the streets to press home their demands until the shortage of premix fuel is resolved by the government.
“It’s been four months without premix fuel. The premix is not there, we are buying from the regular pumps, which are very expensive. The few canoe owners who are able to afford fall out with huge debts here and there, and it’s a source of worry. Now we are getting fish, but there’s no premix,” he added.
The fishermen are getting agitated day in and day out. Fisherfolk in Volta, Western, and Central regions are calling for the demonstration, the pressure is mounting,” Jojo Solomon added.
Source: The Independent Ghana