Former Petrol Dealers Association President appeals for level playing field

Jun 29, 2015 News

The Government must cease the retailing of fuel and allow for more privatisation of Gas Stations in Guyana. This is the view and of former President of the Petrol Dealers Association (PDA), Steve Chung, who said that the country must demonstrate that it is operating as a free market economy.
In a statement to the media, the former President said that it in order for the country to encourage foreign investors, there must be a level playing field in Guyana’s fuel market.

Former PDA President, Steven Chung

According to Chung, the government is currently controlling gas prices by retailing the products.
“It is not wise for the government to say that they are to encourage foreign investors while they are doing things to discourage the investors by aiding unfair competition,” the statement read.
In addition to “levelling the playing field”, Chung said that the Petrol Dealers Association would like the new administration to set up a regulatory body to look into different contracts put out by “Petroleum Company to dealers”. This he said will ensure fair contracts between the company and the dealers.
Chung said that the PDA believes there should be a law which protects dealers from the “uncouth” behaviour of oil companies, rather than subjecting dealers to unstable contracts.
Additionally, he said that the PDA is asking the present government to look into the “unfair” bargaining practices the association experiences so as to ensure dealers make a proper profit.
“I am appealing to all the retailers of fuel in this country to let us get together and get back our association in a formable and respectable organisation,” said Chung.
The statement also proposed that future service stations should be set up on a zoning basis rather than at random points around the country.