As a means of addressing the recent gasoline shortage in the country, the government has decided to put provisions in place for additional storage.
The country experienced a shortage of gas at the pumps in December 2022 due to severe weather conditions which Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said affected the transfer of gasoline from Antigua to the island.
“What this shortage of gasoline drew to our attention was that the country never had [at] its own disposal and control any national reserve,” said the PM while addressing a press conference on Monday. “And on reflection, I believe even that missed us in the resilience agenda because that’s important.”
He continued, “We have decided as a government to order a large quantity of petroleum products in addition to what Venezuela supplies us.”
Prime Minister Skerrit added, “Venezuela supplies us with over 6000 barrels of gasoline…and so we have decided from the treasury of Dominica to purchase 10,000 barrels of gasoline from a regional supplier.”
He revealed that the 10,000 barrels were landed yesterday (Sunday, January 15) in Dominica, and the government now has control over it.
He indicated that the intention there is to henceforth have a reserve.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister mentioned that Petro Caribe was mandated “to ensure that we have about 10,000 barrels of gasoline in Dominica at any given time.”
“So what we have done in the interim recognizing that Petro Caribe does not have the storage capacity now is that we have leased some storage tanks from, DCP (Dominica Coconut Products) Successors Limited and so we have leased this from them and we have discharged the petroleum products into the tanks at DCP and the balance have been discharged at the Petro Caribe facility,” he explained.
Prime Minister Skerrit revealed that the government intends to take two additional actions.
“We are now negotiating prices with suppliers, comparing prices, and we are going to increase the capacity of storage at Petro Caribe by 20,000 barrels for gasoline and looking at lands in Portsmouth to also build storage capacity in Portsmouth in the event something were to happen in the south, the north has petroleum products stored in a safe and international standard,” he revealed.
He assured the country that the action his government has taken is progressive; actions that would certainly help in ending any possibility of supply shortage.
Some members of the public are of the view that the reason for the shortage is that the government did not give an increase to the importers. However, Prime Minister Skerrit said that isn’t the case.
“In September thereabout we gave the importers an increase, we had agreed on an increase, we gave them a percentage of that increase and we said overtime we would have given you the balance of the increase allowing for the price of gasoline to go down, and to fit it in nicely so that there is no impact of the consumers of petroleum products,” he explained. “November we gave them the full increase that they requested.”
He added, “So I believe when you add what we gave in September and what we gave in November it would be much more than what they had originally indicated.”
Meanwhile, he said the cabinet has approved a new price structure.
“As of today, January 16, the gasoline prices will be $14.87 per gallon. We have seen a drop of $1.07 per gallon,” he revealed.
Skerrit stated the new price of high sulphur diesel will be $15.42 per gallon, a drop of $1.30 per gallon, and kerosene, the new price as of today will be $13.84 per gallon, a drop of $1.20 per gallon.
“And the ultra-low sulphur diesel the new price is $16.32 per gallon, a drop of $1.65 per gallon,” he said.
He said also that Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also will drop between 20 cents and 65 cents from the 20lb cylinder to the 100lb cylinder.
The baboons is at work once more showing off there true colour, bunch of losers ha ha ha.
I have asked myself this question one million times. I’m not exaggerating. How did this confirmed imbecile become a prime minister?
All the characteristics you wish your prime minister to possess he lacks – empathy, integrity, good communication skills, self-awareness, humility, respect for self and others, gratitude, flexibility, et cetera.
All the qualities of a bad leader are concretely embedded in his DNA – conceit, arrogance, selfishness, dishonesty, incompetence, self-centeredness, greed, etc.
As long as this megalomaniac remains in his present position Dominica is doomed. Dominica is presently at ground level and sinking.
Hegas, no gas…tell them Chess, lol.
It is not only the storage and supply of petroleum that, to quote the Prime Minister, “missed us in the resilience agenda.” I can think of many other things that were missed, not least closing down the Public Works Machine Shop.
True enough: the premises and machines were in a deplorable state. But twenty years ago, when engineering firms in the UK were putting up the shutters, the Public Works Machine Shop could have been re-equipped at less than the price a new pick-up truck. At that time the finest precision machine tools ever made were being sold to India at scape metal value.
The restored premises, apart from keeping the country running, could have served for training a future generation of highly skilled mechanical engineers.
When I bemoaned the fact to the Minister for Public Works, he replied: “Why do we need a PW Machine Shop when we have you at Antrim”.
He failed to realise that, at close to the age of eighty, my next job might be repairing the Pearly Gates.
This guy go on a podium and grin and dominican listening to that liar ,man you so disgusting. Skerrit a you aware of the Gaston Brown saga with the straight flight from Nigeria to Antigua which is causing havoc in Antigua?.
Dominicans look out its coming listen, read , when it hit your shores dont be surprise you all remember the Haitians, then the Chinese, look out the Nigerians they are in Antigua stranded .
Gaston Brown and Skerrit look for them.
And on reflection, I believe even that missed us in the resilience agenda because that’s important.”
American write Mark Twain wrote, “figures often beguile me, particularly when I have been rearranging them myself.”
The Prime Minister of Dominica deserves an Oscar Award. To this end, one humbly recommends to the creators and editors of the national resilience agenda, the creation of a National Academy award show to give the man his Oscar.
Something just doesn’t sit right with Skerrits charm offensive. I have a funny feeling the CIA/FBI might be closing in and all of a sudden he needs the goodwill of all Dominicans. I for one don’t think he will get much of that. He has fooled the people for too long and he lied to them too much. My main question, where is our money?
Very very interesting. Thought we have not been getting gas from Venezuela because of the USA embargo on Venezuela.
This dude created the mess and now comes wearing his superhero cape as the savior. SMFH!!
Boy these politicians have mucho cojones.
That’s what he has been doing in Dominica for 2 centuries now. His dunce supporters of course swallow it all to willingly for a mere 20 dollar note.
Why do some people still continue to repeat this guy’s promises when he consistently make false assertions? Media houses such as DBS, Kairi and DNO give credence to his lies and fakeries. They embroider Roosevelt’s tall tales.
So if they were to somehow follow your wish and stop reporting on statements of the Prime Minister of Dominica; what are you then going to b@tch about now?
Your life will become all of sudden meaningless, because you have no reason to come onto DNO to throw your Skerrit tantrums.
Skerrit was in a talking mood yesterday as if he was scared or mentally disturbed about something so he chose to talk without any substance. Well tomorrow is Election Day in Antigua and the way things looking now is definitely bad news for Gaston and that has Skerrit very nervous too if Gaston is not PM because he knows what would be coming his way in that strange 2023.
Conserve gas and other petroleum products. Consider walking when you (when you can) can for your health, wealth and the environment! We don’t need to drive everywhere. Walk in groups for socializing and safety. Have your water bottle and wear comfortable clothing and footwear. No need to jog, just a brisk comfortable pace. Batch cook and freeze if you working. Save your money and carry healthy snacks to share at work, like fruits, vegetables and dips. Let’s loose some fat, gain more muscle and live to enjoy our children and their children children! Love you.