Gassed up: Fuel deliveries set to return to Change Islands

Deliveries of gasoline to Change Islands are expected to resume next week, filling residents' tanks three weeks after the town's only gas station ran out of fuel.

On Thursday, the town got word from Ultramar that deliveries would continue starting the week of Jan. 8. The town will now get its fuel from Lewisporte instead ofFogo Island.

"The ferry is always an issue for us, so we're working on getting dangerous good crossings so that the gasoline can come. So we're really pleased to say that we are going to get our first shipment next week, and it should be continued," Mayor Paula Flood said Thursday.

Earlier in the week, Flood toldCBC News that tanks at D&E Varietyhad been empty since Dec. 12. D&E co-owner Alva Diamond said the last delivery of gasoline was on Sept. 28.

Flood said Thursdaythe stoppage of deliveries ultimately came down to issues in communication and logistics, saying their regular operator retired and Ultramar had concerns with moving the fuel by ferry.

Flood said her calls were finally answeredwhen emergency response workers got involved she had voiced concerns over how having empty tanks would impact services along with the offices of MHA Derrick Bragg and Premier Andrew Furey.

"Everybody is relieved, and very thankful that it's been resolved," she said.

Download ourfree CBC News appto sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.Click here to visit our landing page.