When the gasoline distributors in the DR threatened to not replenish stocks if their margins were not readjusted, President Hipólito Mejía said he would not take "vagabunderías" from the Anadegas organization that groups gasoline station owners. But, Anadegas president Miguel Puente hit a home run, coming away with RD$200 million more after talks at the National Palace. Local press has pointed out that the President not only accepted what is an even higher margin, but also gave in and eliminated a disposition that had introduced competition to the selling of gasoline in the DR. When the prices were adjusted, a maximum, but not a minimum price was instated. The gasoline distributors convinced the President to returned to the fixed price in detriment to consumers. Gasoline profit margins went from 12.5% on a RD$32.50 price down to 9.5%, but were readjusted to 10.6% margin on a RD$39.80. In absolute terms, this means RD$0.29 cents more on premium gasoline. Earnings were increased RD$0.15 on regular gasoline sales and RD$0.09 on diesel sales. In an article pointing this out published in El Siglo newspaper, Ramón Tejada Holguín, points out that the negotiation sets a dangerous precedent for the government.
