Haiti - FLASH : Fuel transporters under threat from gangs
In a letter addressed to Michel Patrick Boisvert, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Randolph Rameau President of the Association of Petroleum Professionals (APPE) draws his attention to the ransoming activities of gangs inside the Varreux Terminal and on the two main roads, North and South, and the consequences on the functioning of the country's fuel supply chain.
"[...] Carriers, according to information sent to APPE, must pay, in kind, 15 gallons of fuel per truck to access the Terminal, 200 thousand Gourdes to get the trucks out and 800 thousand Gourdes right of way (per fleet) to the airport road.
Added to this are other payments to be negotiated throughout the northern circuit, depending on the route taken. As for the southern exit of the capital, it is practically blocked at Martissant, and in the event of theft or hijacking of a truck, the return of the stolen product is the responsibility of the carrier [...]
Randolph Rameau explains that he fears an escalation that would paralyze the transport sector and nullify his efforts to supply the country, stressing "Already, some of the most important transport companies have informed importers of their intention to terminate transport contracts [...]"
To avoid a paralysis like the one that occurred with the blocking of the Varreux Terminal, the APPE joins the transport companies, to sound the alarm" and urge the Minister Boisvert to find a solution with the other Authorities of the country, in particular the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN).
