The Asian financial crisis has resulted in good news for the Dominican Republic. The crisis has brought about a drop in international prices of petroleum products due to a surplus in supply, given the reduced demand in Asia. The Dominican Republic, an importer of fuel, is benefiting from the situation. Every dollar the barrel of petroleum drops on international markets represents savings of US$110,000 a day for the country, according to Pedro Pablo Cabral, president of the Shell Co. in the D.R., in an interview with the Listín Diario. Cabral confirmed that the downward trend in prices continues, and that no one can forecast at what levels the price will stabilize. The government lowered leaded gasoline last week as follows: RD$1.30; unleaded, $2.00, and gasoil, RD$1.00.
