New gasoline prices went into effect today, as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ruled that leaded gasoline will now sell for RD$22, down from RD$23.40; unleaded gasoline is now selling for RD$27 down from RD$28.90, and gasoil is selling for RD$12.90 down from RD$13.70. Hector Valenzuela, the president of the Asociación Nacional de Distribuidores de Gasolina (Anadegas), that groups gas stations, felt that the government should have reduced gasoline prices more. He said the sales price for unleaded gasoline should be RD$24, the price of leaded RD$20 and the price of gasoil RD$12. The gasoline station owners complained that 36 hours was not enough to sell their inventories purchased at the higher price. The gasoline station owners have not complained in the past when the government has given short notice to increase prices.
