Gambia: Flights Delayed in Country, Due to Lack of Gas

Major economic collapse is threatening the lives of Gambian and non Gambian commuters. The country is currently witnessing a major gas shortage, which left many flights delayed for hours. The Banjul International Airport, has been hard hit by the gas shortage. Commuters also walked for miles in order to reach their scheduled destinations, as car owners could be seen lined up in gas stations scrambling for gas. There is limited gas in this country. Almost 80 percent of gas stations are out of gas.

The gas shortage has been attributable to lack of foreign exchange to order gas. Many private marketers, have complained about the depreciating value of the United States dollar against the Gambian currency, the Dalasi. The US dollar is now trading at D18 per dollar
The gas shortage has been attributable to lack of foreign exchange to order gas. Many private marketers, have complained about the depreciating value of the United States dollar against the Gambian currency, the Dalasi. The US dollar is now trading at D18 per dollar.

The country’s import cover had also fallen drastically in recent months, thanks to the ailing economic situation.

Despite repeated assurances by the Central Bank of The Gambia, about possible growth of the economy, economic experts have predicted a for full blown inflation in days ahead, if the current economic situation does not change.

Most importers said without foreign exchange, it would be virtually difficult to order gas into the country. They also accused the President of favoring some Lebanese investors, under the leadership of Muhammed Bazzi to dominate the gas market.

AllAfrica