President Irfaan Ali met today with major fuel importers today to address a growing wave of gasoline and diesel shortages that has left many service stations across the country with “No Oil” signs and long commuter lines. Following the high-level meeting, the President announced via his Facebook page that immediate relief is on the horizon, stating that he has been assured shipments are expected as early as tonight. He added that the government is working around the clock to source additional supplies to meet the burgeoning national demand and ensure that the country’s economic momentum remains uninterrupted.
The current shortage comes as Guyana and the wider region grapple with the fallout of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for 20% of the world’s oil, has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, creating a scramble for refined products. While Guyana has emerged as a major global crude oil producer, the nation remains dependent on imported refined fuel for domestic transport and industrial use. This global crisis has caused a “bottleneck” effect, with international supply chains stretched thin and freight costs soaring, making it increasingly difficult for local importers to maintain their usual schedules.
The government is also exploring regional partnerships, Ali said, including the potential refining of Guyanese crude in neighboring Trinidad and Tobago to utilize idle infrastructure there. Additionally, the Gas-to-Energy project, slated for completion in late 2026, is expected to eventually slash the nation’s reliance on imported heavy fuel oils for electricity generation.
