Fisheries Minister warns LBCs against overpricing, hoarding premix fuel

Emelia Arthur, the Fisheries Minister, has cautioned Landing Beach Committees (LBCs) against selling premix fuel above the authorized prices, hoarding the product, or diverting it for personal gain. She stated that the Ministry and the National Premix Fuel Secretariat would penalize committees that breach the approved pricing and distribution rules.

According to Arthur, each Landing Beach Committee must sell premix fuel at the authorized price, and the Ministry will not tolerate any attempts to exploit fishers by raising prices, hoarding the product, or reselling it privately. The new price for premix fuel is GH¢5.51 per liter, equivalent to GH¢24.80 per gallon. Specific quantities have corresponding prices, with 50 gallons costing GH¢1,240 and a yellow gallon priced at GH¢174.

Arthur directed LBC executives to clearly display the authorized prices at all landing beaches to ensure fishers know the exact amount they need to pay. She emphasized that no fisherman or fish processor should be charged any amount above the authorized price. Any committee that violates this directive will face consequences. Ebow Mensah, the Administrator of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat, echoed Arthur's concerns, warning LBCs against creating artificial shortages by withholding supplies or selling the product to middlemen.

He stated that premix fuel is subsidized by the state to support fishing communities and should not be hoarded or resold at higher prices by committee members or individuals. The approved prices will be announced on radio stations, community information centers, and social media platforms nationwide. Any adjustments to the premix fuel price will be communicated formally to fishers and other industry stakeholders through the designated channels.

The Secretariat will enhance monitoring at landing beaches and investigate any complaints related to overpricing, diversion, or unauthorized resale of premix fuel. The Secretariat appeals to chief fishermen, canoe owners, fishers, and the general public to report any LBCs that violate the approved price schedule. Arthur affirmed that the government will safeguard the premix fuel subsidy from misuse and ensure that the product reaches the fishing communities it was intended for.