77.9 F
Cruz Bay
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSenator Concerned Price Reductions Aren't Reaching the Pump

Senator Concerned Price Reductions Aren't Reaching the Pump

Jan. 27, 2005 – Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg is concerned that Virgin Islanders are not benefiting from recent reductions in the price of fuel.
In a press release issued Thursday, Donastorg, chairman of the newly formed Senate Government Operations and Consumer Protection Committee, stated he would hold a committee meeting Feb. 23 to discuss the issue of gasoline prices.
Donastorg said his research indicates that Hovensa had lowered its prices by as much as 19 cents per gallon of gasoline. However, the prices for regular unleaded gasoline has remained "steady," particularly on St. Croix.
"We have one of the world's largest refineries right here, yet we are not benefiting," Donastorg said. "I am very tired of consumers being taken advantage of again and again. As of today, I am calling on all St. Croix retailers to lower the retail prices within the next 10 days in order to reflect the 19-cent reduction in wholesale gasoline prices."
Prices in the St. Thomas-St. John district have been slightly reduced since the Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department instituted a price cap in October. The restrictions implemented by the DLCA allows gasoline wholesalers and importers on St. Thomas and St. John a maximum profit of 30 cents per gallon.
However, Texaco Caribbean Inc. and Esso – two of the wholesalers in the St. Thomas-St. John district – have since sued the V.I. government because of the price caps. St. Croix does not have wholesalers. Retailers purchase directly from Hovensa.
"I truly hope that by the time this meeting is held, we will see a price reduction at the pump," Donastorg said. "I know that many of us will be watching closely."

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.