Many retailers have already found new gasoline suppliers to replace fuel from the defunct Hovensa refinery on St. Croix in the new year and shortages are unlikely, according to Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Wayne Biggs.
“DLCA would like to ease the public’s concern and let them know that there is no need to have any apprehension regarding an insufficiency of fuel in the Virgin Islands,” Biggs said in a statement.
Many residents have become concerned about the potential for a fuel shortage because, for many years, fuel for all gas stations on St. Croix and much gasoline elsewhere in the territory has been purchased from Hovensa, which has ceased refining and will stop selling gasoline in the territory at the end of the year.
According to DLCA, its department and the V.I. Energy Office have hosted a series of meetings throughout the year with fuel retailers on St. Thomas and St. Croix. The meetings were open to all retailers, wholesalers and haulers. DLCA also conducted assessment surveys with retail stations on an individual basis regarding their prospective fuel options.
“All parties have played an active role in sharing concerns, providing valuable insight into the territory’s current fuel status, determining the next step of an alternative fuel supply and exploring available options,” Biggs said.
Recent follow-up discussions with independent fuel retailers on both St. Thomas and St. Croix have indicated additional fuel suppliers from Puerto Rico and other neighboring islands are being utilized, according to DLCA.
“As new relationships are developed with alternative fuel sources, retailers throughout the territory will have continued access and availability to fuel for consumers come Jan. 1,” Biggs said.
