02 Jan 2024 | 01:20 PM UTC
Guinea: Fuel disruptions likely nationwide through at least mid-January /update 3
Fuel shortages likely in Guinea through mid-January following fuel depot explosion. Petrol stations reopened; restrictions in place.
Fuel shortages will likely persist nationwide through at least mid-January following a fuel depot explosion at Guinea's primary fuel terminal in Conakry overnight Dec. 17-18. The fire was only extinguished Dec. 27 and resulted in a national scarcity of gasoline and diesel and an increase in black-market fuel sales. As of early January, petrol stations have been reopened after temporarily closing, albeit with purchasing limits of 25 liters per automobile and 5 liters per two-wheeler. Authorities have announced the upcoming import of 50 million liters of petrol per month from Cote d'Ivoire; it remains unknown when the resumption of the petrol supply will be available.
Service delays, long queues, and fuel station closures are likely. Fuel shortages may disrupt business operations, public and private transport services, and ground shipping. Locals may demonstrate outside government offices or fuel stations to denounce the scarcity. Authorities will likely deploy security personnel to monitor any protests that materialize.
Refuel fleet vehicles when possible. If long-distance travel is unavoidable, ensure fuel tanks are full and carry additional supplies. Do not buy fuel on the black market or from an unauthorized dealer. Ensure adequate fuel supplies for generators; confirm delivery agreements. Avoid any related protest activity that materializes, as clashes can occur with little-to-no warning.
Overnight Dec. 17-18, a fuel depot complex associated with the Guinean Petroleum Company (SGP, Societe Guineenne des Petroles) caught fire in Conakry's Kaloum prefecture killing at least 24 people, with several still unaccounted for, and injuring over 450 others. Reports indicate that the blast caused significant damage to nearby residential buildings and forced hundreds of residents to flee. Authorities stated that the fire was fully extinguished on Dec. 27. It remains likely that the importation of petrol from neighboring states in the coming weeks will provide a short-term solution until the complex is reconstructed.
