The fuel crisis in Haiti is getting worse, with several gas stations in the capital closed and the Professionals Association of Banks announcing on Friday that its companies will reduce their hours and working days due to fuel shortages.
From next week, banks will normally operate only three days a week instead of six days and close earlier.
Some of the gas stations that continued to operate this week were the scene of huge queues, fights and crowds, and in some places the gallon (3.78 liters) was worth about $ 15.
Motorcyclists, business owners and even police are forced to search for fuel, and many are waiting for hours to have it delivered.
In recent weeks, shortages have affected hospitals, schools, ambulances, public transportation and other sectors, increasing anger and frustration.
The government says gangs have blocked petrol distribution terminals, and the Le Nouvelliste newspaper on Friday abducted several truck drivers and stole at least four tanker units.
A mob has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in exchange for lifting the siege.
Last week, Henry pointed out that the country was not running out of fuel and that tankers were waiting to unload them.
He pointed out that the police had created a “security lane” to protect petrol exports and trucks, and that airports, coast guard vessels and some hospitals and telephone companies had received fuel.
Officials from various government agencies have been working together to find a quick solution, but he did not provide details.
However, the situation this week seems to have worsened, and the president of the Federation of Gas Filling Stations warned that meetings with officials did not provide a solution.
“The real crisis will begin in the next few days,” Marc André Dériphonse told Radio Magik9.
