By Buba Gagigo
In an official statement released today, the Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has declared that an agreement has been reached between the Gambian government and the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to prevent the proposed strike set for Thursday.
PURA stated, “The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is pleased to inform the public that, through amicable engagement with the Government, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and other key stakeholders in the petroleum products business have reached a consensus for the continuity of sales of fuel in the country,” PURA announced.
The discussions between the government and the oil companies were prompted by the OMCs’ intention to halt fuel sales from Thursday, April 4, 2024, citing a decrease in their profit margins.
PURA further assured the public, stating, “The Authority takes this opportunity to reassure all and sundry that the engagement with the stakeholders has yielded dividends and business will continue as usual. The public is notified that all OMCs will conduct business as usual, and fuel will be available to the public at all filling stations across the country.”
Additionally, PURA urges the public to refrain from panic buying or storing petroleum products or any flammable substances in their homes or other unsafe locations.