7 News Belize

C.A. Butane Importers Still Striking
posted (September 13, 2011)
The butane strike by the Central American importers and dealers of butane continued into its fifth day today.

BWEL, TOMZA and Z-Gas - who import and distribute the majority of the butane in Belize - continue to keep their doors closed for business. They are demanding that government grant them an increase in the controlled price of butane; government says it will not budge until the companies conform to the law requiring the installation of scales to protect consumers. The law was signed into effect 176 days ago and some companies have complied, but those large importers have not.

So, will there be a negotiated settlement? Well, Minister John Saldivar today told us that government will not even enter negotiation with the companies until the strike is called off.

In the meantime, the supply of butane has been affected but not disrupted. In Belize City, Brown's butane and Southside butane continue to sell butane and the Reyes group of companies along with BNE continue to provide bulk butane to industrial customers. It's not a perfect situation, but butane is available - and it's mostly of a higher grade than was being offered by the Central American Companies.

Minister Saldivar also stressed to is today that that those who have tanks provided by the central American companies should, quote, "feel no obligation to these companies and should feel free to buy from other companies without fear of penalties."

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