An ongoing strike by the Propane Gas Retailers Association is leading to fears of a nationwide shortage of gas just days before Christmas.
The majority of the island’s retailers are entering their second week of strike action with 80 per cent of them refusing to supply customers.
Theer are also safety fears as customers desperate for gas are transporting full tanks in their vehicles from the few suppliers who are still open for business.
Gas companies normally travel to homes to fill up tanks to prevent the risk of explosions occurring if vehicles are involved in anaccident.
With the majority of companies remaining closed, the suppliers which are open simply cannot meet the demand to fill all the tanks.
Retailers said at a press conference yesterday that although they would hate to leave their customers without gas during the holiday season, their hands are tied until they receive Cabinet’s approval to raise their prices by $22 per tank.
The group closed their businesses last week saying that without the price increase they were operating at a loss.
Island Gas, Bahamas Gas, Moss gas, and Tropigas are all on strike while three companies are still operating.
Peter Adderley, the association’s public relations agent, explained that the association had initially asked for a price increase from $50 to $65 in March of 2003 to cover expenses.
He said if that request had been granted, this second request not have been perceievd as putting a burden on customers.
Source: Cara Brennen, The Tribune
