The Administrative Secretary of the Presidency Luis Manuel Bonetti said yesterday that the government could prohibit the sale of fuel in containers to avoid the trafficking that was evident at gasoline stations during the weekend. According to Diario Libre, Bonetti promised to discuss this issue with Minister of Industry and Commerce Francisco Javier Garcia, with the aim of finding a solution to the problem. When evaluating the saving measures he stated that it is difficult for people to get used to them in the first days but in the long run they will have to for the best interest of the country. El Caribe reports that the government will forbid the sale of fuel in containers and warned that gasoline stations remain militarized to ensure compliance with saving measures and to avoid speculation with fuel in a parallel market. Bonetti stated that the saving measures have been applied at the Presidential Palace for approximately 70 days and he warned that officials who do not comply with the measures established by President Fernandez would be severely penalized. He also reported that the Presidency has been receiving warnings from the Fire Department and the Civil Defense about the danger of storing fuel in inadequate containers.
Meanwhile, today’s editorial in the Listin Diario points out the difficulties in controlling illegal fuel sales. It points out that thousands need to purchase and store fuel for their power plants anyway. “To know the use of the fuel that is purchased in containers is not easy. Thus, if rationing or controlled sales days, many will be tempted to participate in a side market,” states the editorial writer. He recommends that the government examine in depth all the inconveniences of its fuel savings plan to resolve them.