Gas prices pump up by almost 50%

www.puertoricowow.com Wednesday, March 5th, 2003.  

SAN JUAN (AP) – The price of gas containers has increased by almost 50%. Importing companies have deemed the hike dramatic.

Humberto Berrios, president of Tropigas, said he paid 50 cents per gallon a year ago and now he pays 91 cents.

According to published reports, the hike in gasoline prices has been partly linked to the possible war against Iraq.

In addition, the harsh winter in the mainland U.S. has increased demand for this product. The crisis in Venezuela has also affected the fuel supply in the past two months.

Ninety percent of the imported gas in Puerto Rico comes from Venezuela. The halt in its production made it necessary to import gas from farther places like Argentina and Argelia, thus increasing its cost.