Petroleum dealers disagree on 24-hour operation stance
Despite a warning from the recently formed Owners’ Dealers Association that rising crime could impact the operations of 24-hour service gas stations, not all dealers agree with this stance.
The Owners’ Dealers Association was established just a month ago to represent gas station owners. However, another group, the Petroleum Dealers Cooperative Society Limited, which operates under the Petroleum Dealers Association and was formed by an Act of Parliament, has a different perspective.
Speaking to Guardian Media, president of the Petroleum Dealers Cooperative Society, Derek Joseph, emphasised that crime affected the entire nation, not just gas stations. He added that many dealers were unaware of the statements being made on their behalf.
Joseph reaffirmed the essential nature of gas and service stations, assuring that despite the challenges posed by crime, they would continue to serve the country.
“This body, the Owners’ Dealers Association, as far as I understand, because from the time it was hinted that somebody was doing that, I got several calls, and I told them, well, we don’t know anything about it, and don’t worry about it because it is nothing legitimate. It is just simply somebody thinking that they needed to set up an association and speak on people’s behalf who never asked them to speak on their behalf,” he said.
Joseph added, “Now, you see, remember, we live in a free society, and if anybody feels that they want to put themselves up or position themselves to be looked upon for a position and so on—because I understand that individual has political ambitions—but the last time I checked, most of the dealers I talked to, both under UNIPET and NP, which work with us, said they don’t know what he’s talking about.”
President-elect of the Owners’ Dealers Association, Reval Chattergoon, issued a media release on Thursday outlining the potential impact of rising crime on 24-hour service station operations.
The release highlighted the dangers posed by crime.
However, other dealers have stated that although they are also affected by the crime situation, they have no plans to shut down operations.
This week, a man was killed by police at a Charlieville gas station following a robbery. Another man was killed at a station on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, several months ago.
Despite these incidents, some service station owners remain committed to staying open and continuing their operations.
Petroleum Dealers’ Association president and service station owner Robin Narayansingh also stated that despite the crime situation, they are continuing to operate.
“We have been serving the community since 1956 and we will continue to do so. As long as we have the opportunity to serve the community, I will ensure we do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.
Yesterday, however, Chattergoon said his release was intended to highlight the current challenges facing the country, noting that his association now had 18 members—ten with National Petroleum (NP) and 8 with UNIPET.
He stated, “The difference is that we have a specific focus. It is not our intention to have Owner Dealers replace Petroleum Dealers. We made this clear from our first press release, where we outlined our role regarding operations, pricing structures, and our engagement on policy matters with the government. Owner Dealers also represent both NP and UNIPET dealers.”
He added, “So what we’re trying to say is, listen, Mr Government, we need a more aggressive approach to tackling crime to prevent these kinds of outcomes. At no point did we ever say that we’re going to shut down.
“Your customers are fearful to even come out, so it’s almost like there’s an unofficial curfew. Who are you going to open for in that case? And secondly, if we continue to be targets of criminal elements, one might have to reconsider. But it’s not just gas stations; this affects the entire nightlife—vendors, bar owners, restaurants, and so on.”
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