Members of the Chamber of Fuel Businesses announced retaliatory measures this week to the decrease in fuel prices that entered into effect last Saturday.
On Tuesday, some gas stations will accept only cash payments, some will close in various locations across the country, and some will only operate with a reduced number of gas pumps.
On Wednesday, all local gas stations will completely suspend the sale of fuel across the country.
Gas stations owned by multinational companies Uno, Total and Delta will not join the protest, chamber leaders confirmed. These gas stations represent some 20 percent of the total.
Chamber representatives met Friday with Environment Minister René Castro to explain alleged errors in the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) ruling that ordered a reduction of ₡4 in the per-liter price of fuels (regular, super gasoline and diesel).
The chamber argues that ARESEP’s ruling will cause daily losses of some ₡20 million ($40,000) to their members.
The price decrease last week was approved to compensate consumers for a miscalculation that caused overpricing in fuel costs for the past 18 months.
All gas stations refusing to sell fuel or to take credit or debit cards should be reported to ARESEP by phone at: 800-CONSUMO (800-2667866). The report should include the name of the gas station and its exact location.
