Card payment at some gas stations

Yesterday’s assurances by the United Independent Petroleum Marketing Company limited (UNIPET) and by the Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) followed the announcement on Tuesday that, effective tomorrow (Friday), a “cash only” policy would be in effect for fuel sales at stations operated by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Petroleum Dealers Association (TTPDA).

The TTPDA said the Retail Margin, which should facilitate fair operational costs, has remained fixed since 2005 while in January, there was “a whopping 200 percent increase in both Business Levy and Green Fund Levy Taxes, immediately destabilising the business of retailing fuel in TT.” The vast majority of NP-branded stations are operated by TTPDA members, which means that from tomorrow, motorists must walk with cash to cover their fuel purchases.

UNIPET’s Chief Executive Officer, Dexter Riley, told the media the company was “continually reviewing” its cost structure and had “not made a policy decision with respect to” the TTPDA’s call for action. “Our first approach is to find cost cutting measures that won’t adversely impact the public,” Riley stated. UNIPET also said it respects the TTPDA stance, pointing out that “this action reflects the dire financial circumstances which operators face in providing a safe and efficient service to the motoring public and the industrial sector.” “Given inflationary trends and increased costs, operators are now running their businesses on $3.95 on every $100 spent on super gasoline.” UNIPET expressed hope that Government would review the matter and action taken “to stabilise the industry.” Meanwhile NP said it “acknowledges the decision of the TTPDA” while making it clear that “pay-at-thepump facilities and/or payment via electronic means can still be accessed at NP owned and operated stations.” However NP did not provide a list of the locations of said gas stations yesterday.