7 News Belize

New Butane Importer is Ready
posted (May 5, 2020)
Right now, the National Gas Company is finalizing its work to set up its operation. Like other businesses, it is trying to cope with all the challenges that have accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, and the restrictions under the State of Emergency.

But once there is a return to normalcy, should customers expect any difference in the way they purchase butane?

We asked the Managing Director of the National Gas Company about how the retail end of the industry will work, with them as the sole importers of LPG.

Here's what he had to say:

Voice of: Dr. Gilbert Canton, Managing Director, Nat'l Gas Company
"The National Gas Company is going to supplying all the existing wholesalers, distributors and retailers. We do not get involve with that aspect of the business any at all. So what we are going to do to be able to make sure that there is adequate access to the supply, we have establish also the depot in Belmopan and the depot in Orange Walk. So the supply will be at those areas. For trucks that have a capacity of more than 2400 gallons can come in and pick up their supply directly and we will also be delivering for the same price that is available at the depot through the different larger players that are capable of receiving 10,000 gallons or more, let's say a truckload at a time. We will be delivering to the bigger players and we will have the ability to be able to load smaller trucks at the depot also. The distribution network is already set up and there should be no problem in making sure that supply is there and continuous."

Reporter
"Explain to us what role do these companies have, these former importers who now have to take the responsibility of distributors and retailers only?"

Dr. Gilbert Canton
"That's really the only change in the whole supply chain is that instead of them bringing in the product from their depots in other countries whether its Honduras, Salvador or Guatemala, they will now be buying their supply from National Gas Company from our Belizean terminal in Big Creek. That really is the only differentiation. All their assets that they have in-country are going to be fully employed because they use storage and distribution for retail purposes. So that should not change at all."

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