By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Dirty and poor quality fuel is contributing to increased maintenances costs.
Only fuel certified as proper for utilization without risks to users will be allowed for import into the country.
A statement released by the Quality Control Commission-QCC states that the government has banned all uncertified fuel imports due to the continued outcry from car owners, transporters as well as power suppliers and other machine owners.
During a press, briefing The QCC Chairman Mr. Saeed Suleiman informed that any fuel imported into the country must have a certificate of quality issued by his agency and any scrupulous merchant found in contravention will face the wrath of law.
The QCC boss who said that the action of banning of dirty fuel imports should not be misconstrued as one with negative impacts urged all to assist the authorities imposes the ban effectively.
Said he, “This ban will only affect smugglers and not genuine importers whom we know are as affected as the rest of the populace”
The QCC, which seems to have sharpened its claws in the recent past having confiscated expired foodstuffs imported by the World Food Program last week, will need a lot of support and determination to effect the ban since the fuel smuggling is a lucrative trade especially through the border with Djibouti.
The ban that is also a welcome long overdue move from the central government will also facilitate reduction in maintenance costs incurred by citizens who operate machineries that require fuel.
Just the other day the government acknowledges that there is a glut of smuggled dirty petroleum products that are affecting negatively on the economy through loss of revenue and increased maintenance costs to citizens.
While making the public acknowledgement the minister of commerce Hon Abdirazak Khalif Ahmed said, “A large quantity of smuggled dirty fuel is entering the country from both the Eastern and Western borders”
Citizens are now anxious to see what comes next after the ban since the commerce minister had indicated that there was pressure from elders especially from the western regions who claim that the cry of dirty fuel and subsequent ban is targeted against their community that resides in the border with Djibouti.
For the minister’s statement visit:
http://somalilandsun.com/index.php/economic/1657-somaliland-government-acknowledges-glut-of-highly-dangerous-smuggled-fuel
