WILLEMSTAD - A recent study has shown that the quality of diesel and gasoline in Curaçao is not up to the standards required for newer vehicles. The study was discussed at a press conference held by the Minister of Economic Development, Ruisandro Cijntje. The fuel expert SGS Inspire conducted the study and recommends that small quantities of better-quality fuel should be offered to allow consumers to choose.
The study found that the current fuel in Curaçao is not suitable for newer vehicles, as it contains a high level of sulfur. This high sulfur content can lead to a build-up of pollutants in the engine, causing it to malfunction and eventually fail. However, the fuel is still suitable for models built before the year 2000.
SGS Inspire recommends that a transition to better quality fuel should be made, which could take up to two years to fully implement. The transition process would involve upgrading the refinery to produce fuel with lower sulfur content. This would not only improve the quality of fuel in Curaçao but also have a positive impact on the environment.
To bridge the gap between the current fuel and the better-quality fuel, SGS Inspire recommends offering small quantities of the better fuel to consumers. This would allow them to choose whether to use the better-quality fuel, which would be more expensive, or stick with the current fuel. This approach would also allow the market to adjust to the higher cost of better-quality fuel over time.
The need for better quality fuel is essential as newer vehicles require a lower sulfur content for optimal performance and longevity. The proposed transition to better-quality fuel would not only benefit consumers but also the environment by reducing the number of pollutants released into the atmosphere. The Minister of Economic Development has expressed his commitment to ensuring that the transition to better-quality fuel is made as soon as possible.