WILLEMSTAD - The Bureau of Telecommunication & Post (BT&P) took note of the statement made during a televised program by Curoil, where it was indicated that BT&P lacked authority regarding fuel sample testing at gas stations. BT&P would like to clarify this statement.
In Curaçao, we are familiar with the "Richtlijnen Regulering Kwaliteit Brandstoffen" (Guidelines for Fuel Quality Regulation) since 2011, which includes specifications for regulated tariff on petroleum products and allows for certain actions by involved parties. However, to oversee and enforce the application of any rules, a formal legal framework is necessary. The 2011 guidelines do not serve as a legal basis for BT&P to control and impose sanctions on any actions. Therefore, despite BT&P being equipped with capable professionals and extensive knowledge, there is no legal framework within the current guidelines for them to take action.
This legal omission is known to all parties, including Curoil. Therefore, starting from 2019, a journey was initiated to establish an "Energy Law" that would provide a legal basis for BT&P to act and impose sanctions, among other things. It is known that recently various stakeholders participated in an investigation into fuel quality led by an expert investigator.
The current legal framework's omission, however, does not absolve Curoil of its corporate moral responsibility, both as the owner of gas stations and as an importer, to be the primary responsible party for ensuring the best quality of the product for its customers.
For BT&P, the consumer's interest is of central importance. For this reason, BT&P professionals have engaged and will continue to collaborate with all involved parties to better serve the consumer's interests in the shortest possible timeframe.