2000News

Fuel consumption up 5% last year

Fuel consumption in the DR was up 5% last year, despite the October fuel increase price of about 30%. The DR imported upwards of US$900 million in fuel in 1999. In volume, imports increased from 42.9 million barrels to 45.1 million barrels. Of all categories of imported fuel, only premium unleaded declined, going from 1.84 million barrels in 1998 to 1.59 million barrels in 1999. This was the result of the increase in the price of premium unleaded fuel and the start of sale of the cheaper regular unleaded fuel. At present, distributors and transporters of fuel want the government to revise their profit margins. The Association of Transporters of fuel is threatening to interrupt distribution if their request for an increase in the price paid per gallon transported is not granted. They want RD$0.73 up from RD$0.49 they are receiving at present.