WILLEMSTAD - It is restless among the 22 private gas stations in Curaçao. They disagree with the maximum price calculations by regulator Bureau Telecom & Post. The margin left to them is too small.
This so-called dealer margin is almost 18 cents per liter. According to the gas station owners, that should be at least 25 cents. The arrows are not only aimed at Minister Ruisandro Cijntje of Economic Development, but also at politicians from the ruling party MFK in parliament. They suggested that the margin could even be reduced by the four Curoil own gas stations to promote competition.
The gas station owners find the MPs' suggestion dangerous and a slap in the face for the nearly 750 people employed at various gas stations. Margin reductions would lead to bankruptcies.
Minister Cijntje has now been asked to have an independent party or committee of experts conduct an investigation into the gas station owner's margin.