By James Innocent
A worsening fuel shortage in Yei River County has left thousands of residents and motorists struggling, with long queues forming at the only operational fuel station in the area as transport operators face growing economic hardship.
Residents say the scarcity of fuel has disrupted transportation and contributed to rising prices of goods and services across the county, affecting livelihoods and increasing pressure on already vulnerable families.
Yeka Joel, a resident in Yei, said the ongoing economic crisis has significantly affected fuel availability and prices, leading to increased demand and shortages.
He noted that the situation has contributed to a sharp rise in the cost of basic commodities in local markets.
Karaba Lawrence, a senior boda boda rider, said the fuel crisis has severely affected motorists whose families depend entirely on the motorcycle transport business for survival.
“Most of us depend on boda boda work to feed our families and meet our daily needs, but the fuel shortage has made work very difficult,” he said.
The manager of Kafa Fuel Station, currently the only operational fuel station in Yei, warned that movement within the town could become extremely difficult if the station runs out of fuel supplies.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce in Yei, Justine Luwate Raphael, attributed part of the fuel challenges to international tensions, including the conflict involving Iran and the United States, which he said has affected fuel supply and prices globally.
He further explained that the rising exchange rate of the US dollar, combined with high fuel prices, has contributed to the increasing cost of goods in local markets.
Residents and transport operators are now calling for urgent intervention to stabilise fuel supply and ease the economic burden facing the people of Yei River County.