Tema, Nov. 13, GNA - The Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Mr Daniel Christian Dugan was on Monday dismayed to hear that Chief Fishermen go in person to wait at the main entrance of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to direct where precisely their premix fuel should be discharged rather than the designated outlets.

Tanker drivers at Tema, who made the allegation also said some chief fishermen also collude with some fuel dealers to divert allocation meant for their fisher folks because of non availability of storage facility to discharge into.

The Deputy Minister described the chief fishermen's action as wicked if the allegation is found to be true, because they are the very people who complain a lot about difficulties in getting premix fuel for their fisher folks.

The tanker drivers made these revelations at a meeting with the Deputy Minister at Tema over reported incidents of harassment by the security personnel along the route, diversion and adulteration of fuel. Also represent at the meeting were representatives of Oil Marketing Companies, and Tema Oil Refinery.

The tanker drivers said after they had loaded the fuel at TOR meant for the designated outlets, they drive long distances only to realize that there is no facility to discharge into and this encourages diversion.

In such a situation the dealers or owners collude with others and divert the consignment to the detriment of the unsuspecting fishermen.

Mr Dugan blamed the unpatriotic scenario on lack of effective monitoring and said he would submit a report to his Minister, and then meet with all the stakeholders for the necessary action to be taken.

He said efforts would be made to seal loopholes that encourage corruption in the fuel business while drastic measures would be taken against the culprits, if found culpable. 13 Nov. 06