Service Station Operators: “Government Should Look at Every Way Possible to Alleviate the Burden Where They Can”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – As gas prices continue to soar above seven dollars per gallon in New Providence, the government is exploring ways to ease the burden on consumers. We spoke to industry experts about what that relief could look like.

Peter Roker – Owner, Roker’s Service Stations

“Our government, under these circumstances, should look at every way possible to alleviate the burden where they can.”

Fuel prices have been climbing steadily over the past seven to eight months, rising from around four to five dollars a gallon at the start of the year to nearly eight dollars today.

At a recent press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, Press Secretary Keishla Adderley confirmed that the Ministry of Finance has been meeting periodically to discuss possible relief at the pumps.

But while motorists grapple with rising fuel costs, gas station operators say they, too, are feeling the pressure.

Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association Vice President Vasco Bastian explains why.

Vasco Bastian – Vice President, Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association

“The higher crude rises and higher gas rises at the pump, the more it costs gas station operators in this country. So we’re not happy with the high cost of fuel as well.”

Bastian says finding a solution will require cooperation across the industry.

Vasco Bastian – Vice President, Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association

“Wholesalers and the government, along with retailers, can all sit around the table and say, ‘What’s the best economic policy from a microeconomic perspective to address this issue that we’re now facing in this country?’”

But there is no consensus on how that relief should come. Roker’s Service Stations owner Peter Roker says removing VAT is not necessarily the answer.

Peter Roker – Owner, Roker’s Service Stations

“You think we have to be reasonable, you know. Taxes, how they be charged for the functioning of a government.”

But owner of Porky’s Service Stations Bernard Dorsette is taking a different position.

Bernard Dorsette – Owner, Porky’s Service Stations

“I’m saying remove all the tax off the fuel.”

Dorsette says gas station operators are also struggling with the current tax structure.

Bernard Dorsette – Owner, Porky’s Service Stations

“We can’t make no money. We now paying the government VAT. The government now make more money than we make.”

With no decision announced as yet, consumers and gas station operators are left waiting to see what the government will do to ease the rising cost of fuel.