Commercial drivers in Tamale and its environs have been thrown out of business following the shortage of fuel at the various stations in the area.

A visit by DAILY GUIDE to the Central Taxi Rank revealed dozens of taxi cabs and stranded passengers.

Sections of the drivers, in an interview with the paper, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the fuel outlets.

The drivers said they would be compelled to park their vehicles since fuel was crucial for their day-to-day operations.

The shortage of fuel, which has resulted in a mad rush for super, in particular, has also disrupted the smooth running of the few fuel stations due to long queues formed by both commercial and private car owners.

The situation degenerated into violence in some instances.

Some fuel station owners failed to confirm the exact date for the next supply of fuel.

As at press time, only two filling stations had enough supply of fuel in the city but sources hinted that their stock could run out.

According to some people, fuel tankers were expected to arrive to ameliorate the situation.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) failed to offer explanations as to why fuel was scarce in the area.

According to reports, the OMCs had fuel in stock but were waiting for price increases later this week.

Taxi drivers, who claim they have been severely affected by the shortage of fuel in Tamale, have taken undue advantage of the situation to increase fares contrary to a directive from the management of GPRTU.

The drivers are extorting monies from unsuspecting clients under various claims.

But Chairman of the Tamale Taxi Rank Branch of the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC, Mohammed Abdul-Razak directed the recalcitrant drivers to put an end to the practice, threatening to sanction those found culpable.

When reached for his comments, a manager of one of the fuel outlets, who pleaded anonymity, said the situation could persist for many days.

According to him, all outlets in the Northern Sector of the country that receive supply from the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Ltd (BOST) point in Buipe may not be able to serve their customers.

He disclosed that BOST in the Central Gonja District did not have fuel, stressing that the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) could offer further explanations.

Dispelling rumors that the stations were hoarding fuel, he told DAILY GUIDE that efforts were underway to obtain fuel from Accra.