Haiti-Fuel: Ministry of Commerce Denies Scarcity and Announces Reinforced Controls

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— As concerns grow in several parts of the country about a potential fuel shortage, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) issued a statement this Thursday to reassure the population: no fuel scarcity is recorded on the national market.

According to the note issued by the Directorate General of the MCI, information gathered from importers and distributors confirms that petroleum products are available in sufficient quantities to meet demand. The ministry insists: supply is not threatened.

While no structural shortage is reported, the MCI nevertheless acknowledges having observed «local disruptions» at certain points of sale, which it attributes to non-compliant practices, particularly irregularities in distribution or pricing operations.

In response to these abuses, the authorities announce a series of measures aimed at restoring order.

The ministry also informs that teams of Inspectors will be deployed across the national territory, with the missions of: conducting spontaneous checks at service stations and distribution points; ensuring compliance with established prices and sales conditions; preventing and sanctioning any speculative or illegal practice.

These operations will be carried out in direct coordination with the Haitian National Police (PNH), with the aim of ensuring supply stability and preventing any artificial disruption of petroleum products.

The MCI calls on sector stakeholders, as well as the population, to demonstrate serenity and cooperation. The ministry states it relies on the collaboration of distributors to ensure the normal functioning of the supply system.

While fuel remains a sensitive issue in a fragile national context, the authorities assure that they will remain vigilant to prevent speculation which, in the past, has often amplified already strong tensions.

Jean Mapou