By: Haddy Touray
At least three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have returned fuel tankers to the Mandinari Fuel Depot over alleged contamination concerns, industry sources confirmed.
Sources told this medium that a recent batch of petroleum products supplied from the depot was flagged during routine quality checks, prompting some OMCs to return their consignments citing product quality issues.
However, the Operations Manager at the Mandinari Fuel Depot, Pa Ousman Touray, denied that contaminated fuel was supplied to OMCs.
Despite the denial, insiders at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the depot confirmed that some tankers were returned and accepted by the facility.
Industry sources said the exact nature of the suspected contamination remains unclear. Some insiders alleged that water infiltration or poor storage conditions may have affected the fuel, while others claimed the contaminant was oil-based rather than water.
One source familiar with the matter said the affected fuel left visible oil stains, arguing that this suggested contamination by an oil substance rather than water.
Sources further indicated that the depot’s Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stock is currently segregated, with some quantities reportedly withheld from distribution pending further checks.
Drivers have reportedly complained in recent months about fuel quality, with some OMCs alleging that the issue originated from the depot.
“This is not something to be taken lightly. Fuel quality is directly linked to public safety and economic stability,” a senior industry source said on condition of anonymity.
An engineer, Modou Ceesay, warned that confirmed contamination could result in mechanical damage to vehicles and generators, as well as financial losses for businesses and households.
The Mandinari Fuel Depot is a key facility in The Gambia’s petroleum distribution network, supplying multiple OMCs nationwide.
Contacted for comment, the Minister of Energy, Nani Juwara, said he had received assurances from the depot’s operations manager that reports of contamination were false.
Some OMCs criticised the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) for what they described as a failure to promptly investigate and issue a public statement.
Efforts to reach the Managing Director of Gam Petroleum and officials of PURA for further comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.