Fuel dealers ordering less?

Certain filling station dealers are said to be ordering a smaller quantity of fuel than before in anticipation of a reduction in fuel prices.

Petroleum Resources Minister A.H.M Fowzie is threatening to blacklist such dealers.

“We are investigating the matter at the moment and once we locate these filling stations, we will blacklist them,” he said.

“If market prices drop after the dealers have ordered the stock they would have to sell the fuel at a lower price than what they bought it for, so the dealers are cautious in ordering large stocks,” Mr. Fowzie said.

He said the number of bowsers distributing fuel to filling stations has been reduced from 140 to 80 because the dealers were not ordering the usual quantity of fuel.

Last week, Minister Fowzie said the ministry may be able to reduce fuel prices if world market prices continued to fall, but due to the current situation he said the Government may be compelled to increase fuel prices.