Fuel in TAM (or lack of)

[Sam Rutherford]

Because the highway to In Salah is missing bits, the bowser drivers are avoiding TAM, this means horrendous fuel shortages (up to 4 days at a time, both petrol and diesel). If at all possible, try to arrive in TAM with enough for your onward stretch. Even the Gendarmerie/black market sources are drying up.

There is absolutely no fuel at:

Ideles, In Guezzam, Fort Cardel (or whichever name it goes by!!)

On a different topic, if you are entering Algeria from Tozeur (Nefta), change your money on the black market with the guy in the fuel station (about 50m on from Customs/Immigration), he gives a better rate than the official one...

That's all folks,
Sam.

[ollieholden]

Thanks for the info Sam.

Any idea how long these shortages usually last for? (yes, I know, until the fuel lorry arrives ... )

Ollie


[This message has been edited by ollieholden (edited 19 November 2002).]

[Sam Rutherford]

Ollie,

You answered your own question, I'm afraid. Certainly the situation in general won't improve until the tarmac link is re-established - which I would say is at least 2 months away, but could easily be six+ (I'm no expert on the Algerian road construction industry!

Sam.

[ctc]

Fuel shortages seem to be a recurring problem in Tam. When I was there last year there were also shortages. However being a tourist you were able to "pull rank" at any queue of local lorries. The police certainly ensured that we were served as soon as possible. You may feel un-british in doing so, but they want tourists to be happy. Suggest you speak to the police who orchestrate proceeedings if you you are having difficulties getting fuel.

[Yves]

Hi all,
the actual fuel shortage in Tam and arround is not the usual one and is much more severe ("..Even the Gendarmerie/black market sources are drying up...")
Tourists are still served in priority, but that doesn't exclude waiting one or two days for your fuel.
In Ekker and In Amguel are also sufering from fuel "starvation".

With this situation in mind I will avoid Tam on my nect trip in December.
Bye, Yves


[This message has been edited by Yves (edited 19 November 2002).]

[Sam Rutherford]

As Yves says, this is not the usual problem. Tourists also no longer have priority automatically, and if you push, you might get more of a reaction than you bargained for.

There are people waiting, in their cars, in the queue for over three days and nights - their sense of humour is long expired!

Sam.

[Yves]

Hi Sam,
thanks for the precisision, I posted you info on my web site www.sahara-info.ch. Hope it helps.

If you meet Chris say a big hello to him.

Bye, Yves

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi Yves!

Saw Chris at Tunis, where customs had just confiscated his GPS! (hence the message about hiding your GPS when entering Tunisia). Seems a bit odd, there must have been at least 80 GPS units leaving on our boat, and the same number coming in - but there you are.

Apparently, you are supposed to have authorisation (which you can get in Tunis), but the rule is rarely enforced. It's a question of giving yourself the risk of being unlucky. If in doubt, hide the thing next to your satphone!

'later,

Sam.

[ollieholden]

Yvez,

What route are you taking to avoid Tam?

I was initially thinking of doing the loop down to Illizi - Djanet, across to Tam and then back up via Mertoutek, but may revise my plans.

Cheers

Ollie

[Yves]

Hi Ollie,
ahm, I simply stay north of it if I can, last refuel in Arak, next refuel in HBG or Djanet or Illizi.
Rumors say that you will get limited quantities uf fuel (100L per car max) in In Ekker and Im Amguel - but no garantee.
But if you want to take the southern track between Djanet and Tam then you better start in Djanet.

BTW: from APZ, yesterday:
Naftal to Cover the Problem of Oil Distribution in Tamanrasset

The distribution of oil products in Tamanrasset "shall not be stopped in spite of the multiform external constraints related to the poor state of the roads and the defection of some transport partners," assured Naftal in a communiqué issued Wednesday. In order to remedy this situation, Naftal, the national company for the marketing and distribution of oil products, "has mobilised means by redeploying some of its fleet in the northern units to transport it to this province and see to a regular and sustainable supply," pointed out the communiqué.
[Aps 20/11/02 15:20:54]

Bye, Yves

[ollieholden]

Thanks Yvez.

What fuel range would you take, considering the shortages? I was aiming for 1000km as the max fuel-fuel run I'd planned was 700km. Should I take more?

Ollie

[Yves]

Hi ollie,
fuel range, the more the better. 1500km will give you a lot of freedom. I would say it depends on the fuel. For a thirsty petrol engine 1200km will allready require about 300-330 Liters.
1500km for an average Diesel powered 4x4 only about 200L.
I suggest to take about 20-30% more as required by the distance between the gas stations to allow detours etc.

Bye, Yves

[ollieholden]

Has anybody got any updates on fuel availability? We're leaving in a week and it would be good to know where we can get fuel.

Can I assume we'll get fuel in HbG, Illizi and Djanet?

What about Bordj Omar Driss, Tam, Ideles, Zarouenout (or whatever it's called, on way from Djanet to Tam)?

Thanks

Ollie

[Richard Washington]

Tam fuel shortages continue. Last week there was still a 3 day wait at the Tam fuel stations. Stations are limited to selling 7000 L per day in total. 'Local politics' is said to be the cause. Fuel is available at In Ecker and Arak.

Fuel freely available in Djanet and Bordj Al Hoaus.

[Ian]

In Tam now and there is no problem with fuel. There was no queue for petrol and a couple of cars for Diesel. Was told by a local that the problem is now resolved. Also fuel in Djanet, Illizi, HbG, even the petrol pump at Borj El Houas was working. In Ideles, from what I could undertsand there was petrol at least but a problem with the electricity supply to operate the pump. Dont know situation for Diesel there. No petrol at In Amguel on 7th December.