The Listín Diario report on President Fernández’s recent trip to Colombia to participate in the Grupo de Río summit talks, says that the statesman met with the Presidents of Venezuela and Mexico and discussed petrol prices. The DR has a preferential petrol purchase agreement with these two countries. The Listín Diario reports President Fernández says that after the meeting he is optimistic petrol prices to the DR will be restrained to US$22-28 despite world market prices reaching US$32 the barrel. President Fernández met with President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico. He expressed his concern that the increasing petrol prices are a threat to the growth of the Dominican and global economy. He said that OPEC countries are scheduled to meet 21 June to discuss increasing production which would have a downward effect on prices.
