CHAOS IN TRINIDAD

Despite assurances from NP that all was back to normal in the gas stations, the long lines for gas continued late yesterday evening in most stations in Trinidad, as nervous commuters sought to fill their tanks. And yet thousands more had difficulty getting public transport to and from work and many businesses said they suffred losses as a result of the gas shortage. However, “panic buying” of fuel at the nation’s service stations was not necessary, according to Corporate Communications Manager at National Petroleum Keith Subero. He assured the public everything should be back to normal by the end of the work day yesterday.

Subero explained that the problem developed after one of NP’s supply vessels, the NP Unity, which was expected to arrive at Sea Lots at 9 am on Wednesday from the Petrotrin refinery, was delayed. Subero said, “I understand the vessel was not released from the Petrotrin jetty because of an industrial dispute at the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery, although it was ready to sail.” He further explained that “this delay affected NP’s normal distribution system and consequently, a number of service stations across the country were forced to close by late Wednesday.” He said the situation at Petrotrin has since been resolved and the vessel arrived at the Sea Lots compound Wednesday night.