The National Chairman of the Premix Fuel Committee, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has outlined the committee’s key priorities, emphasising the operationalisation of automated stations and ensuring uniform pricing of premix fuel across the country.

These measures aim to address challenges faced by fisherfolk and boat owners who rely on the product.

Speaking on the committee’s agenda on the Channel One Newsroom on Thursday April 3, Dafeamekpor highlighted the progress made in automating vending points, with 30 stations currently operational and plans to activate 80 more.

“Operationalisation of the vending points helps to reduce the participation of middlemen who naturally will want to purchase the fuel, hoard it and up the prices before selling to the final end users who are fisherfolk as well as our boat owners who ferry our people across the Volta Lake and in the coastal areas,” he explained.

Dafeamekpor also stressed the importance of price uniformity, noting that the committee has issued strict directives to ensure compliance.

“The other thing that will be top priority for my committee will be to ensure uniformity in pricing of the product across the country. We had our first quarter meeting today and have given strong directives and guidelines that any landing beach committee, whether inland or marine, that would sell this product to the boat owners and the fishermen above the price stipulated by the committee will be sanctioned,” he stated.

He warned that non-compliance would result in severe consequences, including the dismissal of committee members found guilty of overpricing.

Dafeamekpor also said the committee will train the landing beach committees to help educate the fisherfolks and stakeholders.

The committee’s initiatives are expected to enhance efficiency, curb exploitation by middlemen, and provide much-needed relief to those who depend on premix fuel for their livelihoods.