economy

Fuel changes sought

LA PRENSA

Hugo Cuéllar978628

La Asociación de Distribuidores de Gasolina y Derivados de Petróleo (Adigas) is asking the government to examine the way fuel is distributed at the Bahía Las Minas terminal in Colón

Hugo Cuéllar, president of Adigas, said that the slow supply of gas coming from the terminal is the fault of Refinería Panamá (Refpan), which is owned by Chevron Texaco.

That company apparently gives priority to fuel trucks that serve outlets affiliated with it, including Texaco, Delta and Accel.

Shell stations throughout the city have been reporting difficulties in getting fuel supplies. A ship delivering fuel to Panama was delayed, which caused part of the problem.

But issues at the terminal have also had an impact, sources said.

Comercio e Industrias Ministerio Manuel José Paredes said that the terminal is going through a period of modernization.

"We know that Refpan is making an effort to be more efficient and to meet the expanding demand," Paredes said.