WILLEMSTAD – The court has dismissed the objection filed by fuel station associations Copda and Asogas against the permit granted for a new gas station in Wechi.
Former Minister of Economic Development (MEO), Ruisandro Cijntje (PNP), issued the permit on December 27, 2023, to Abdul Sebier Attaf of St. Helena Gas Station.
Copda and Asogas argued that relocating the gas station from Pastoor Blommerdeweg to Weg naar Westpunt was not merely a transfer, but rather an expansion. They contended that the application should have been reviewed under the Establishment Policy for Gas Stations. However, the court ruled that this policy applies only to new stations, and since this remains the 26th location, the policy was not applicable.
The ruling also determined that MEO was not required to consider the interests of Copda and Asogas or consult them beforehand. Additionally, the increase in fuel pumps at the new location did not constitute an expansion, as the total number of gas stations remains unchanged. As a result, the permit remains valid.