Sunyani, March 17, GNA - Shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Sunyani is having an adverse effect on the activities of commercial drivers, notably taxi operators, in the municipality. The situation, which has persisted for more than a month, has forced most taxi drivers to pack their cars at the various distribution points in town awaiting supplies.

When the GNA visited the Chiraa Lorry Station, out of the 30 vehicles which were expected to report daily at the lorry station, only seven were there. The cab drivers, in an interview with the GNA, complained about the high sale of petrol and appealed to authorities to act to enhance socio-economic activities.

They raised concern that the shortage was seriously having a negative impact on the socio-economic lives of their families in the sense that they were unable to meet financial demands of their spouses, children and the maintenance of their vehicles.

The disgruntled drivers expressed disappointment at the way the current administration is handling affairs relating to gas distribution. They said during the previous administration although there were occasional shortages, they (the taxi drivers) were at least able to ply their trade smoothly without any difficulty.

Francis Afum, a taxi driver, said he preferred the LPG use to petrol because gas was more economical than petrol. Joseph Opoku said he took a loan of GHC9, 000.00 to buy his car and it had become difficult to pay back the loan. Alhaji Iddrisu expressed similar sentiments and appealed to the authorities to intervene immediately since the socio-economic impact of the shortage was harsh.

Joe, another driver, said times were hard and that it was not economically and politically expedient for authorities to sit down unconcerned.

"I have to take off the gas carburettor and replace it with a petrol carburettor due to the gas shortage. I can't stay at home workless when I can use what is available, though I do not anticipate any significant profit margin by using petrol instead of gas", he stated. Douglas Acheampong said, "I took a loan of GHC4000.00 to purchase my car and because of the underlying problem I cannot pay the debts as regular as I want to."

"The car has been packed at home for the past two weeks but I was lucky to get some of the gas at Nkoranza", he added. An old man, only known as 1280, also a driver at the lorry station appealed to the government to ensure massive and equitable distribution of the resource nationwide in order to meet the socio-economic needs of families and businesses.