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May 14, 2014 News
Guyana’s regulator of the fuel industry, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), believes that it has significantly dented smuggling, with checks indicating a drop in the incidence.
Since being implemented in 2004, the Fuel Marking Programme has experienced success, with illegal fuel found now at just 3 per cent.
According to the GEA, it was believed that one-third of the fuel in the country in 2004 was smuggled.
“From 2006 to 2013, the percentage of sites found with significant dilution in at least one tank has progressively decreased from 34% in 2006 to 3% in 2013,” GEA said in a Government release.
The agency has recorded 29 convictions since starting prosecutions for illegal fuel, at the programme’s implementation.
GEA believes that illegal fuel is more than likely coming from neighbouring countries including Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
“The success of the Fuel Marking programme, and the fact that since its implementation there has been a significant drop in fuel smuggling, is testament to the fact that GEA has always strategised about where their presence is needed,” according to the agency.
As part of efforts to combat smuggling, in 2007 a multi-sectoral ‘Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband’ was convened under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate the efforts of the different law enforcement agencies in the fight against fuel smuggling and contraband.
“The resulting cooperation between the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), GEA, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) aided in several interdictions of illegal fuel and assistance in capturing, escorting and securing various transport vessels – both land and water,” GEA said.
The GEA is also part of the Hinterland Intelligence Committee (HIC) which was organised by the GPF and is chaired by the Commissioner of Police. Members of this committee include the GDF, Civil Aviation Authority, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), GRA, GPF, Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana, Ministries of Health, and Local Government, Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation, among others.
“Many issues are discussed at monthly meetings of both the Task Force and HIC, including the issue of fuel smuggling. Additionally, the GPF is usually consulted when there is an emergency or if a tip is received.”
GEA explained that it usually solicits the support of other enforcement agencies as required.
The Fuel Marking Programme was implemented to ensure that all gasoline, diesel and kerosene were properly ‘marked’ at a known concentration at all legitimate import points and also collecting and testing samples of fuel from various parts of the country including wholesalers, retailers, distributors, transporters, commercial consumers and any person in possession of fuel for the relevant markers.
The GEA stated that it is cognisant that the constant monitoring and maintenance of the Fuel Marking System’s integrity is absolutely necessary for its continued success.
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