Propane gas scarcities and long blackouts continue to affect life in the Dominican Republic, despite the optimistic announcements of the new Fernandez administration. El Caribe reports that despite the expected arrival of a propane gas shipment, long lineups are still evidence that the scarcities continue. Blackouts lasting 12 to 20 hours have also persisted.
El Caribe says the authorities are now conditioning better power service on the passage of the fiscal reform that would raise taxes and, according to government expectations, entail a windfall of new resources with which to pay off the accumulated arrears with suppliers.