Minister Stuart Johnson
PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Stuart Johnson announced that his ministry has solicited the assistance of a reputable organisation that will provide clarity on the type of fuel being sold in St. Maarten, amidst allegations that the petrol stations have been selling substandard product.
Johnson said on Wednesday that as far as TEATT, which is responsible for inspections, was aware, Octane 95 is the grade of fuel being sold at local gas stations.
“Several inquiries have been received from consumers about if the grade of fuel being sold in St. Maarten is Octane 83, 92, or 95. One of the primary concerns relates to the grade of fuel received and its associated cost,” stated a government press release.
“Also, consumers have indicated that the fuel burns quicker sometimes than at other times. These concerns have left consumers believing they were being deceived in some form or the other. “To address the concerns of consumers, the Inspection Department of Economic Affairs will be engaging a third-party organisation called Intertek to carry out a study to test the grade of fuel being sold in St. Maarten,” added Johnson.
He said the organisation will perform routine testing based on the arrival of new fuel to the island and will test the level of Octane (83, 92 or 95) in the field, as this forms the basis for what is charged to the customer. “St. Maarten does not have the testing facilities to carry out this endeavour. As such, Intertek in St. Eustatius will be contacted to carry out the testing and report.” Intertek has been selected because of its reputable status and proximity. It is described as a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.
Intertek’s network comprises more than 1,000 laboratories and offices, and more than 43,000 people in more than 100 countries, according to the release. It delivers innovative assurance, testing, inspection, and certification solutions for consumers’ operations and supply chains.
Intertek will evaluate products’ quality, safety, and sustainability and performance standards. An Intertek representative will fly to St. Maarten to collect the fuel samples and take them to St. Eustatius where the testing is to be conducted. Once completed, the findings will be sent to the Ministry in the form of a report.
