St. Maarten to test quality fuel amidst allegations of substandard product

The Government has solicited the assistance of an organisation that will provide clarity on the type of fuel being sold in the country.

The Government of St. Maarten announced that its Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) has solicited the assistance of a reputable organisation to provide clarity on the type of fuel being sold in the country, amidst allegations that sites have been selling substandard product, reports The Daily Herald.

TEATT Minister Stuart Johnson said last week that as far as TEATT is concerned, Octane 95 is the grade of fuel being sold at local gas stations.

“Several inquiries have been received from consumers about if the grade of fuel being sold in St. Maarten is Octane 83, 92, or 95. One of the primary concerns relates to the grade of fuel received and its associated cost,” stated a government press release.

“Also, consumers have indicated that the fuel burns quicker sometimes than at other times. These concerns have left consumers believing they were being 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 sold in St. Maarten,” added Johnson.

The organisation will perform routine testing at arrival of new fuel to the island and will test the level of Octane (83, 92 or 95) in the field, as this is the basis for what is charged to the customer.  “St. Maarten does not have the testing facilities to carry out this endeavour. As such, Intertek in St. Eustatius will be contacted to carry out the testing and report.” Intertek has been selected because of its reputable status and proximity.

Intertek is described as a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. The company network comprises more than 1,000 laboratories and offices, and more than 43,000 people in more than 100 countries, according to the release. It delivers innovative assurance, testing, inspection, and certification solutions for consumers’ operations and supply chains.

Intertek will evaluate products’ quality, safety, and sustainability and performance standards. An Intertek representative will fly to St. Maarten to collect the fuel samples and take them to the lab to conduct the appropriate test. Once completed, a report will be sent to the TEATT.

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