National

I Feel Heartbroken, Betrayed, and Hoodwinked

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Could gas stations across the capital be shutting down?

Published

9 months ago

June 19, 2024

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Could gas stations across the capital be shutting down? The Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association says they feel betrayed after there was no mention of a margin increase in the 2024/2025 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly. So what’s their next move?

With the 2024/2025 budget now before the senate, gas retailers are upset that a possible increase in gas margins was not a part of the Budget Debate in the House of Assembly.

It’s been a battle gas retailers have been fighting for some time now. The current margin stands at 9.86% with retailers receiving 54 cents out of every gallon sold.

Originally, a 30-cent increase was requested, eventually being lowered to a 25-cent increase, but still nothing.

Vice President of the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association Vasco Bastian, says they’re frustrated and are calling for a complete shutdown.

The association has been in negotiations with the Davis administration for 30 months.

Retailers have not received an increase in 13 years since the Ingraham administration.

But that’s not all, Bastian who has been vocal throughout the process says his head is now on the chopping block.