business

Shell stations on empty

A delayed shipment has left several stations high and dry just as Carnaval is about to start.

LA PRENSA

Shortage:Shell stations won’t be getting gas until early February.976793

The good news about gas prices being lowered last week was offset over the weekend by reports of several stations running out of fuel.

A survey of several stations yesterday revealed that there was no fuel at Shell stations on Vía Transístmica, Ave. Fernández de Córdoba, Vía España and José Domingo Díaz.

Other stations had long lines of motorists waiting to fill up.

Hugo Cuéllar, who represents the Shell dealers, said the company breached its contract by not maintaining a steady supply of fuel.

"How is it possible for a company to run out? Where are the authorities?" Cuéllar asked rhetorically.

A spokesman for the Shell Company West Indies Ltd. explained that a ship carrying a shipment has been delayed, and it isn't expected to arrive until early February.

"This is a situation beyond our control," the spokesman said. Representatives of other dealers said they are prepared to deal with the increased demand.