Madam Speaker, I am informed that the supply distribution and storage of petroleum products in Rodrigues is presently effected by AEL DDS Ltd. The aforementioned company procures its petroleum products directly from oil companies in Mauritius as per its requirements and is responsible for the importation of the same into Rodrigues. With respect to part (a) of the question regarding the shortage of petroleum products over the past year, I am informed there has been occasional disruption due to increased demand, logistical challenges, and limited storage capacity; notably, shortages occurred on the following occasion –

32 (a) on 30 October 2024, supply was disrupted for a few hours before being restored the following day; (b) on 09 November 2024, supply was interrupted until the arrival of a consignment on 10 November 2024; (c) on 21 November 2024, sales were halted following half-day shortages until arrival of new consignment the next morning; (d) on 01 December 2024, a shortage of Gasoil disrupted public transport, which resumed normal operations on 02 December 2024 with the arrival of new stock, and (e) on 06 December 2024, supply was again disrupted. These challenges stem from various factors, including logistical constraints such as the limited number of ISOtainers available and the disruption caused by increased bulk purchases. To address these issues, we have taken proactive steps, including increasing the ISOtainer filing capacity, improving stock management, and securing additional ISOtainers, which are expected to enhance supply reliability by January 2025. Additionally, priority measures such as dedicating specific filing stations for government, emergency services, and public buses have been implemented to mitigate the impact of shortages on social services. Madam Speaker, with respect to part (b) of the other question, as I mentioned earlier, AEL DDS Ltd. is presently responsible for the whole supply chain of petroleum products in Rodrigues, from the importation to the retailing of the products. The company faces challenges such as limited shipping capacity, restricted storage facilities, and rising demand from the public and Central Electricity Board. Petroleum products are transported from Mauritius to Rodrigues in dedicated ISOtainers, with a recent addition bringing the fleet to 16 units present. I am informed that AEL DDS Ltd. owns and operates three petrol service stations at Port Mathurin, Mont-Lubin, and Grand La Fouche Corail. Additionally, AEL DDS Ltd. also owns and operates a mobile truck at Baie Lascar Service Station, which is used to replenish vehicles with Gasoil only.

33 Madam Speaker, with regard to part (c) of the question, all possible avenues to enhance the present provision for the supply, distribution, and retail of petroleum products in Rodrigues to ensure reliable access to these essential resources are being explored. Madam Speaker, we remain committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring the residents of Rodrigues have stable and secure access to petroleum products.

Thank you, hon. Minister.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can the hon. Minister inform the House as to whether he is considering in the near future measures such as the expansion of the port on the island to accommodate a higher fuel storage capacity, being given the increasing demand in Rodrigues due to the increase in the number of vehicles? Thank you.

Madam Speaker, we will definitely take it into consideration subject to the availability of funds. We will have to go to Cabinet to take a decision.

Thank you, Minister. Yes, Mr Edouard.

There have been discussions between the former Chief Commissioner for Rodrigues and the State Trading Corporation for a storage facility in Rodrigues. Will the Minister state if the procurement notice that had been launched in October last will continue for a white oil storage facility in Rodrigues?

Well, we will take it into consideration. We will discuss it with the STC.

Yes, your next question, please!

(Interruptions)

Oh, I am sorry. I did not catch your eye!

Alright.

You did not catch my eye.

34

Thank you. Will the hon. Minister confirm whether in the past, during any shortage of petroleum products in Rodrigues, a small private tanktainer or whatever name we call it, vessels were charted to serve Rodrigues and if the problem persists, will he contemplate the same modalities?

Well, according to the information that I have, we will need to have more trips to Rodrigues. Once we have more trips to Rodrigues, I believe that the problem will be resolved.

That is correct, and is the Minister aware that there is limited infrastructure in the port area? Even if we have additional trips, there is limited space in the port area, especially for containers, storage, and others. Is he considering looking with MPA and other authorities to extend the storage area in the port area in Rodrigues?

Madam Speaker, we will definitely work on it.

Thank you. Yes, your next question, please! RODRIGUES – FESTIVE SEASON – GOODS SUPPLY