PHILIPSBURG—Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication the honourable Stuart Johnson says his Ministry has solicited the assistant of a reputable organization that will provide clarity on the type of fuel being sold on St. Maarten amidst allegations that the petrol stations have been selling substandard product.
Johnson said on Wednesday this week that as far as TEATT, who is responsible for inspections, is aware, Octane 95 is the grade of fuel being sold at gas stations on St. Maarten.
Several inquiries have been received
from consumers about if the grade of fuel being sold on St. Maarten is Octane
83, 92, or 95. One of the primary concerns relates to the grade of fuel
received and its associated costs. Also, consumers have indicated that the fuel
burners quicker sometimes, than at others times. These concerns have left
consumers believing they have been 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 on St. Maarten,” said Johnson.
He said that the organization will
perform routine testing based on the arrival of new fuel to the island, and
also test the level of Octane (83, 92 or 95) in the field, as this forms the
basis for what is charged to the customer.
Johnsons said, “St. Maarten does not have the testing facilities to carry out
this endeavour. As such, Intertek on St. Eustatius will be contacted to carry
out the testing and report.”
Intertek has been selected because of its reputable status and close proximity
to St. Maarten. Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to
industries worldwide. Intertek’s network comprises of over 1,000 laboratories and
office over 43,000 people in more than 100 countries.
Intertek delivers innovative and Assurance, Testing, Inspection, and
Certification solutions for consumers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek
will evaluate products quality, safety, and sustainability and performance
standards.
In so doing, Intertek’s representative will fly to St. Maarten to collect the
fuel samples and take them to St. Eustatius where the testing and report is to
be conducted. Once completed, the finding will be sent to the Ministry in the
form of a report.
