Retailers complain about the high costs associated with using electronic payment systems
SANTO DOMINGO– The National Association of Gasoline Retailers (Anadegas) announced that on September 25th it will disconnect the payment terminals at the 780 stations affiliated with the organization, as part of its protest against the costs associated with the use of electronic payment systems, which it considers excessive.
The president of Anadegas, Juan Elías Pérez, stated that, according to his calculations, it is unsustainable for retailers to allocate 27% of their gross profits to the payment of these services.
“Out of 34 countries, we are the ones who pay the most for the use of Verifón, and we will not accept that from anyone,” Pérez stated.
The business leader explained that the decision to suspend the service was agreed upon among the different regional branches of Anadegas and assured that there is majority support among the affiliated stations.
“We are prepared and united. Support for the disconnection is massive across our 780 stations,” he stated.
Meetings and mobilizations before the disconnection
In the days leading up to September 25, Anadegas will hold meetings and demonstrations in its various regional offices to inform station owners and coordinate planned actions.
Pérez indicated that the national and regional directors will remain in meetings until the announced date for the disconnection.
They acknowledge efforts to find a solution
The president of Anadegas acknowledged the efforts made by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and SMEs and the executive director of Pro Consumidor to find a solution to the conflict.
However, he felt that these efforts had not received a sufficient response from the parties involved.
The National Federation of Merchants has also expressed its support for the fuel retailers' demands. Pérez added that business leader Iván García was present at the meeting where the decision to disconnect the equipment was made.
They are calling on other business sectors to review their costs
Pérez urged other commercial sectors, including hardware stores, spare parts stores, appliance stores and small supermarkets, to pay attention to the costs associated with electronic payment systems.
The business leader considered that these establishments face similar situations and could be affected by the costs associated with these services.
They remain open to dialogue
Despite the announced decision, Anadegas remains willing to engage in dialogue with the sectors involved in search of a solution to the conflict before the date set for the disconnection of the Verifones.
Recommended readings:
- Agreement between Government and Anadegas prevents, for now, the removal of Verifones
- Anadegas postpones withdrawal of Verifones and opens negotiations with the Government on commissions for electronic payments
- Despite the fuel price freeze announced by the government, transport companies announced that fares will increase starting Monday, July 6
