The Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Asociación Nacional de Distribuidores de Gasolina (Anadegas) have not reached an agreement regarding the profit margins granted to the gasoline and diesel distributors by the government. As per the last fuel increase on 26 August, the profit margins of the distributors (gas stations) were reduced from 12.5% to 9.8%. Miguel Puente, president of Anadegas has said they would accept a 10.6% profit margin, and an increase to the previous 12.5% level as soon as world petroleum prices return to US$28 the barrel. To pressure the government, they say they will not restock. They indicate they have reserves for only a week. One news report indicated that Shell, Texaco, Esso gas stations owned by the companies have indicated they will not join the protest.
