Butane dealers again threaten to strike
It’s déjà vu all over again as for the second time in three weeks butane importers are threatening to stop sales if government does not agree to a five dollar per cylinder price increase. Although they have not yet even engaged the appropriate government officials in dialogue, the gas dealers today made it clear that come tomorrow it will be a situation of “no increase, no butane.”
Michael Godoy, Spokesperson, LPG Importers
“We had anticipated that today noon we would have a response from government. Now because we have not had this response from government this evening at five o’clock there won’t be sold any more fuel at the old prices. So fuel won’t be sold at all in Belize City. We’re hoping that tomorrow morning we can meet with the minister in Orange Walk and depending on the outcome of that meeting, at which we want to be more on a positive note, we are hoping that some compromise can be worked out where we can then sell fuel at the higher price. If that doesn’t come forth then the LPG might be forced not to sell fuel country wide.”
Perfecto Matus, Gen. Manager BWEL
“It’s going to cause a trickle down effect on the whole economy of Belize and the general population. You have your bakeries, you have your hotels you have your restaurants, which will have to recuperate from the additional casts that we’ll be passing on. But we have to understand it’s been an unusual year for butane and the other by-products.”
Jose Sanchez
Have you made any arrangements to specifically speak with someone in government?
Michael Godoy
“To answer abrupt, no we have not. Why? Because since yesterday we have been trying to get in touch with somebody in the ministry who can arrange such a meeting for us. The permanent secretary was not available, this morning we tried again. Ms. Sosa who we normally deal with, she?s on leave. I think most of the people who would be able to get something going are not in.”
Jose Sanchez
“Are you selling at the old price? Exactly what is BWEL doing at this point?”
Perfecto Matus
“BWEL has been using its old stock, its own inventory, December priced inventory, not putting on the market the new stock for January.”
Jose Sanchez
“When do you expect that stock to run out?”
Perfecto Matus
“Basically right now we are finishing it off.”
Jose Sanchez
“So come tomorrow will you be selling gas at the old price?”
Perfecto Matus
“No we won’t.”
In mid December dealers were granted a price increase of five dollars per hundred pound cylinder, from fifty-eight to sixty-three dollars. The latest request, occasioned by a price increase on the part of the supplier in Mexico, would raise the price to sixty-eight dollars.
