Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis yesterday brushed off questions about some fuel retailers on New Providence refusing to sell diesel, asking "what action" when questioned about the action taken by the operators who are pressing the government to adjust their profit margins to give them the ability to better survive in business. 

"Who isn't? How many? ... You need some?" Halkitis quipped when questioned by reporters outside Cabinet yesterday.

When a reporter said bus drivers may be needing diesel, the minister added, "I think they might know where to get it."

When asked whether he was concerned about what was taking place, he said "no comment".

Halkitis said he will address the issue on Thursday.

After repeatedly promising to take "decisive action" to cut operating costs, some petroleum retailers on New Providence stopped selling diesel on Monday.

Some retailers were also not selling diesel yesterday; however, several Shell stations were still selling it.

Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association (BPRA) President Raymond Jones said on Monday that operators are "under water" and not making a reasonable profit.

Jones said now is the time for the government to come back to the negotiating table and come to an agreement with the association.

Prime Minister Philip Davis and senior government officials met on March 13 with association representatives "to discuss the industry's ongoing issues and challenges and the need to find a balance that sustains their businesses while not negatively impacting them and the Bahamian consumer", the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said after that meeting.

OPM said, "The government and retailers have agreed to further discussions with other stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome to resume talks and arrive at a conclusion in a week and a half from today."

That conclusion never came.

The post Halkitis mum as fuel retailers continue action  appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

The post Halkitis mum as fuel retailers continue action  appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

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