The fuel shortage is expected to continue for another seven days in São Tomé and Príncipe, according to the Minister of Finance, who acknowledged the difficulties faced and requested the public's understanding.
Gareth Guadalupe stated that despite knowing that patience has limits, he had no alternative but to ask for this tolerance, guaranteeing that gasoline, diesel, 'jet fuel', and oil would be delivered by the following week, during an event held in the São Tomé capital.
Unlike what was predicted last week, when the arrival of gasoline and oil was expected that same week, the Minister of Economy and Finance admitted that, in the best possible scenario, these products should only arrive by next Wednesday.
However, Guadalupe assured that ongoing imports, combined with a new import scheduled for this month, will ensure that the country is well supplied until next year, without setbacks, including during the festive period of December, when consumption tends to increase.
Despite recognizing the financial challenges inherent in importing fuel and other state obligations, Gareth Guadalupe guaranteed that the Government will maintain the subsidy on fuel prices. He explained that although the price should be increased under normal circumstances, the State will absorb the entire difference resulting from this readjustment, serving as a form of compensation to the population.
The minister also informed that the Government has been monitoring price speculation for gasoline and oil since the interruption last week, noting cases of individuals selling these products at three times the original value. Guadalupe detailed that his team, together with the National Police, is acting against these street vendors, instructing its services to identify the responsible pump or container and immediately close such establishments.
This lack of fuel has caused growing discontent in various sectors, directly impacting transportation costs, staff shortages in several areas, and the functioning of the private sector. Last Tuesday, the minister justified the shortage by the insufficient financial resources for new acquisitions given the increase in international market values.
Guadalupe clarified that although they try to initiate imports with sufficient advance notice, the lack of an adequate amount prevents the supply of fuel.