The Dominican Republic has joined the growing number of countries choosing natural gas for transportation in the face of growing uncertainty about oil-based fuel product price and supply. The government is undertaking a gradual conversion of its 20,000 public transport vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) and the expansion of fuel stations. The decision reinvigorates decree 264 (May 2007) which declared the use of natural gas to be a priority in the country.
President Leonel Fernandez said he has instructed the ministries of Industry and Trade and the Environment, to provide facilities for issuing licenses for the installation of suitable sites for the sale of fuel, in compliance with laws on Incentives for Renewable Energy, Electricity Resolution No. 01-08, and Decree 202-08, of the Executive Authority.
“The idea is that we establish in the country, at least four major corridors with stations natural gas service from Santo Domingo to the regions East, South, North and South, to thereby comply with decree 264,” Fernandez said.
He explained that funding for this conversion is done through a surcharge on the sale price of a gallon of natural gas.
This article compiled using information from the Dominican Republic’s Directorate of Information.
