Shell stations to both public and private

[NewsWhore]

The Shell Company reported yesterday that it has still not closed any negotiations with the Dominican government for the distribution of fuels, and that it is keeping its options open regarding the sale of its gasoline stations to the public and private sectors. Rafael Maradiaga, the Shell representative in the Dominican Republic, said that, meanwhile, it would continue to operate the stations until the sale of its interests in the distribution business is concluded. "Shell has not closed any negotiation and is keeping its options open for interested persons either in the public or private sector," said a press communique from Shell. The Dominican state paid Shell US$110 million for its shares of the National Refinery thus taking complete control. According to the authorities, the purchase of the Shell shares will help in the signing of government to government energy agreements and facilitate the handling of state operations. The president of the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs, Ricardo Bonetti, said that his group was in disagreement with the pretentions of the government to buy, through the Refinery, the gasoline stations that belong to the Shell Company, which they felt should be left for the private sector to acquire. He said that the government should limit itself to being the promoter and regulator of economic activities and not go into competition with the private sector.

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