BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

FREEPORT – After a backlash a few weeks ago over the ‘bad gas’ situation, Freeport Oil Company Limited (FOCOL) is coming under fire again from a group of concerned residents and local community activists on Grand Bahama.

FOCOL - which is the main supplier of fuel on Grand Bahama – has suspended its sale of Regular gasoline (which is much cheaper than Super gasoline), after a contaminated batch caused damage to thousands of vehicles.

The company has informed local gas retailers that only premium fuel (Super gas) would be available for purchase. Super gas sells on the local market at $5.35 per gallon.

Community activists Troy Garvey and Joseph Darville of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, along with others concerned residents expressed their outrage over what they allege is a “blatant disregard” of the motoring public by FOCOL.

Mr Garvey claims that in addition to supplying bad gas to the local market, FOCOL is now denying motorists the option of affordable gasoline.

“It is a blatant disrespect; it is a blatant disregard to the consumers of Grand Bahama - to treat the people this way,” he said.

Mr Garvey staged a small protest last week demanding that FOCOL reimburse owners for repairs to their vehicles.

He says that if FOCOL takes the cheaper regular gas off the market, motorists should not have to pay the higher cost for premium fuel.

In the interest of consumers, Mr Garvey called on the Consumer Affairs Department to look into the situation.

“We are calling on Consumer Affairs to do their jobs. They need to come out and find out exactly what is going on at FOCOL,” he said.

Mr Garvey believes that Grand Bahamians are being pushed to poverty because of the high cost of living.

“We are sick and tired of this. They are putting their feet on the necks of the people and killing us in Grand Bahama – they are pushing people further into poverty,” he said.

“I am not going to standby and allow that to happen – people are hurting!”

Joseph Darville said that gasoline is essential in today’s society, and should always be available at an affordable cost to consumers.

“We are not being protected by our politicians and consumer protection officers in this island,” he said.

“This situation is absolutely reprehensible. It speaks to the fact we are not respected by politicians and by these people who run a monopoly (on gasoline).”

Mr Darville said when oil is imported in the country it is tested. He said instead of being reimbursed for repairs, vehicle owners have been insulted and turned around by the FOCOL.

He indicated that FOCOL makes enormous profits.

“I think this company gets its fuel duty free. Why do we have to pay more than consumers in Nassau?

“They are stealing from us. This is grand theft, that you can up the price of gasoline without apparently any approval; that you do not have option to buy one type of gasoline or another."