COMMUTERS PAY HIGHER FARES AS FUEL SHORTAGE IMPACTS KIUNGA

BY KENNY ROMANUS

COMMUTERS and businesses in the river port town of North Fly District, Western province are faced to pay high transport fares, as fuel supply to the area is disrupted due to low water levels along the Fly River affecting deliveries into Kiunga.

The irregular rainfall in the river’s headwaters has slowed cargo vessels that typically transport fuel to Kiunga and nearby areas.

This has forced several fuel stations to shut down temporarily after running out of stock, while only a few remain open to cater to demand.

The shortage has also pushed up public transport fares, PMV operators have increased prices by K1, with passengers now paying between K3 and K4 on certain routes, compared to the usual K2 to K3. A number of drivers, however, have kept their fares unchanged.

Travel between Kiunga and Tabubil has also been disrupted, with fewer PMVs operating mostly those with sufficient fuel reserves. Bus fares on this route have risen from K50 to between K60 and K70.

Residents are now hoping for improved rainfall to lift water levels along the Fly River, enabling cargo vessels to resume normal operations and stabilize fuel supply in the area.