Petroleum Dealers Want Strike Vote

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Petroleum dealers are considering a strike vote, according to Vice President of The Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association Vasco Bastian.

Jared Higgs tells us Bastian doesn’t support a strike but says something needs to be done.

Petroleum dealers are at a breaking point and many are facing financial challenges, according to Bastian. He says the rising cost of fuel means what was once a $25,000 fuel purchase, now costs more than $50,000.

In a phone call with Our News, Bastian lamented the 54 cents per gallon that petroleum dealers take, compared to the $1.60 the government gets for every gallon of gas purchased. Bastian says that 54 cents is fixed, meaning if they spend $1 or $9 on fuel, they still get the same 54 cents.

He doesn’t see government reducing its take, so Bastian suggests switching from a fixed margin to a percentage based margin.

Bastian, who operates an Esso service station says the other major and individual dealers want to strike but he isn’t for it. He says he would resign if it got to that point. He says stations may need to consider more self service options in order to save money.

The price of gas is currently between $6.16 and $6.25 at the 3 major stations in New Providence.