Shama (W/R), July 24, GNA-The price of pre-mix petrol and marine fuel for outboard motors and marine boats have not been reviewed upwards, Mr Daniel Dugan, Deputy Minister for Fisheries has said. He has, therefore, asked fishermen in the Western Region to insist on buying the commodities at the existing prices and report any Oil Company that might sell the products at increased prices to the Ministry or the Regional Minister.

Mr Dugan was reacting to allegations made by fishermen at a New-Takoradi near Takoradi that some Oil Companies have increased the prices of pre-mix petrol.

It was at a meeting he had with the fishermen as part of a working visit to some fishing communities in the Region. Mr Dugan denied knowledge of the price increase and said if there should be a change in the price of pre-mix petrol, this would have to go through a process.

He promised to get in touch with the Tema Oil refinery (TOR) and other officials of the Ministry to ascertain the allegation. Mr Dugan advised fishermen to respect rules regulating fishing in order not to deplete fish stocks in the country's waters.

He also promised fishermen at Axim that the Ministry would remove obstacles in fishing to promote the industry.