By Dacia Whaul Photos by Arian Browne
Gasoline prices were slashed at Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) gas stations around the city and along the East Bank yesterday, while privately-owned operations either made small reductions or none at all, while citing the cost incurred for fuel in stock.
On Monday Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh had announced 30% reductions at all GuyOil-branded petrol dealers for gasoline, diesel and kerosene, to reflect the fall in world market prices for oil.
When Stabroek News visited GuyOil’s Sheriff Street gas station at 2:45pm, drivers were seen waiting in a long line to take advantage of the notable reduction at the pumps.
GuyOil’s Diamond, East Bank Demerara station was also busy, as vehicles arrived by the dozens. While this newspaper was there, some drivers expressed shock at the reduced price and others simply threw their thumbs up and smiled as they drove up to the pumps.
According to a supervisor there, when she started her shift at 2pm, “the station got “busy.”
In contrast, most privately-owned gas stations reflected a small reduction, citing the cost incurred for fuel from their suppliers.
While the per litre price for gasoline at GuyOil stations was decreased by $66 to $152.9, the price for gasoline and diesel was reduced only by $8 at the Rubis gas station on Vlissengen Road, effective from yesterday morning. An employee noted that the marginal reduction did not see an increase from the normal traffic at the gas station. The gas price was listed at $219.9 per litre and diesel $216.9 per litre.
At the Shell gas station on Vlissengen Road, the gas price listed up to 3pm yesterday was $219.9 per litre and diesel sold at $217 per litre. Manager of the gas station Robin Lowe told Stabroek News that the prices at the station had not been reduced owing to the fact that “SOL” had not directed that move. However, Lowe noted that that move is imminent.
N&A Service Station at Prospect dropped its price by $7 per litre on gasoline and by $15 per litre on diesel. A supervisor there said the station was running at a loss with the reduction, owing to the cost they paid for fuel. The price for gas was listed as $220 per litre while diesel was $200 per litre.
“We have dropped our prices as what we bought for,” said Ram Ross, the proprietor of Ross’ Gas Station at Ruimveldt, where prices were reduced by $9. He said the gas price at that station was listed at $219 and diesel was at $217 per litre. Ross said that the gas station was forced to close its door a few weeks back when it had run out of gas. He added that the reduction would not trickle down to his gas station, because GuyOil does not always supply him.
However, Two Brothers gas station at Eccles, East Bank Demerara had not reduced the price for gas or diesel. A supervisor there said that the price paid for fuel had not reduced and therefore that gas station could not reduce its prices. The gas price there was listed at $221 per litre and diesel was at $217 per litre.
At Monday’s press briefing, Singh noted that he could not make guarantees in relation to GuyOil’s abilities to fulfil demand. “It would be irresponsible of me to stand here and say to you that after GuyOil reduced they will not get a rush and they will not run out of fuel. I am not in a position to give that assurance,” Singh stated.
