GAS PRICES GOES UP IN THE

……As Food Shortages Hit The Country

By Karamo Ceesay, Banjul

 As The Gambia faces food shortages, in yet another surprising move, the Department of State For Finance and Economic Affairs today announces an increment on gas prices. A statement issued by the Ministry says  the Government of The Gambia “ has increased the pump prices of super petrol, gas oil and kerosene with effect from Tuesday, May 20. Super petrol is increased from D30 to D33 per litre; gas oil from D28 to D32 per litre and kerosene from D21 to D26.”

In the face of soaring fuel prices, said the statement “ such a move will enable the government to handle the variations in fuel and gasoline prices. In fact, the price of a barrel of oil stood at US$119.24 on Monday, compared with US$119.27 as on Friday.”

As countries continue to be hit by the consequential effects of the current inflation of oil prices, adds the statement “plans are under way to contain the spiralling of prices of oil.”

Consequently, the statement went on “the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which is tasked with the responsibility to coordinate and harmonise the petroleum policies of member countries, is now facing rising challenges.”

In other words, the Government observes “ there is an urgent need to ensure the stabilisation of oil markets in order to secure a regular supply of petroleum to consumers.”

Rice which is the nation’s main staple food has gone up. A bag of rice now cost D900 Dalasis in Banjul. Many here scared for the future, as there is a looming hunger awaiting Gambians.