The Dominican Refinery (REFIDOMSA) suspended propane service last Friday, a move that has caused much consternation for homemakers and transportation workers. If service is not resumed today, the crisis could become very serious. Hundreds of tank-truck drivers made their way to the refinery?s gates yesterday upon hearing the news that a shipment was due in port. Meanwhile, the head of the Association of Distributors of LPG (liquid propane gas), Wilfredo Melo Alcantara, told reporters that the difficulties in supplying the country with propane fuel will continue until imports match the daily demand of 750,000 gallons. The spokesperson even agreed that the government should gradually reduce the subsidy that is currently calculated at RD$37 per gallon of propane. The largest importers of propane are the Refinery and Coastal, who together control 90% of the imports, while Mundogas supplies the balance. Coastal is the principal supplier for Tropigas and Propagas outlets. According to the tanker drivers, there are 180 tank trucks awaiting the arrival of more propane. The refinery is able to dispatch as many as 90 trucks on a good day.