National

Taxi Drivers May Be Out of Business By End of Day

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Most gas stations across New Providence have halted the sale of diesel fuel leaving a percentage of Bahamians in a jam.

Published

1 year ago

May 23, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Most gas stations across New Providence have halted the sale of diesel fuel. Leaving a small percentage of Bahamians in a jam. The move sending a message to the government from the Petroleum Retailers Association. However, the decision is also impacting taxi drivers who say it may soon put them out of business.

Amid a standoff between government and the Petroleum Retailers Association, Bahamas Taxi Cab Union President Wesley Ferguson says should this go on, cab drivers may be forced off the road.

Some petroleum retailers in New Providence stopped selling diesel on Monday.

Association President Raymond Jones told the Nassau Guardian, operators are underwater and not making a reasonable profit.

He said members will begin taking steps to try to maintain some semblance of profitability to reduce costs and keep their business afloat.

Meanwhile, Ferguson says the action is having a devastating impact on the taxi industry.

Jones said now is the time for the government to come back at the negotiating table.

We caught up with Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting, but he said he will address the matter during a press briefing on Thursday.

In a notice to its customers, an official from rubis made customers aware of the action and encouraged them to fuel their vehicles with gas to prevent any disruption should further action take place.

It’s unclear if gas stations will stop serving gasoline too, but Ferguson says so many are now at a disadvantage.