
A cold snap has exacerbated natural gas shortages in Tunisia, leaving residents in remote areas struggling to keep warm and cook.
Long queues have formed outside gas depots in towns like Beja as distributors face severe supply constraints.
“The situation is becoming very frustrating,” said Alaa Hammami, a natural gas distributor. “People are calling constantly for gas, but there’s none available.”
The shortage is primarily attributed to shipping delays caused by adverse weather conditions.
With most of the population relying on gas cylinders for heating and cooking, the disruption has had a significant impact on daily life.
Mounir Riahi, another gas vendor, highlighted the increased demand during the cold weather, noting that daily sales have dropped significantly due to limited supply.
The government has acknowledged the shortage and announced that three ships carrying liquefied natural gas are expected to arrive in the coming days.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of remote areas in Tunisia to supply chain disruptions and the challenges faced by many Tunisians in accessing essential goods and services.
The country has been grappling with economic difficulties in recent years, including shortages of basic goods and rising inflation.