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Torres hits gas stations anew
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Posted on Oct 10 2000
Rep. Stanley T. Torres has criticized again the marketing promotion to induce patronage in gas stations on the islands despite what he said as “outrageous” fuel prices here.
In his latest attack, the Saipan representative said “Shell is making so much money, now they are making fun of us, laughing at us with their stupid promotions.”
The oil company’s latest promotion is called “Great Cash Giveaway” where it gives away $250 everyday, Mr. Torres said in a statement.
“That money is from their excessive profits at the pump. It’s our money in the first place. You and I pay outrageous prices, they turn around and give a little trick of its back. That’s mockery,” he charged.
“If they want our business so bad, why not just lower their prices at the pump? That would benefit more people. Hundreds of people buy gas every day but only one person can win cash… The lucky person needs that to buy more gas,” added the lawmaker.
Mr. Torres claimed it’s “most insulting” for the gas buyers when the promotion does not require participants to by gas to enter the contest, only that one must be 18 years or older.
Noting Saipan and Guam used to have similar gasoline prices for many years, he said prices here skyrocketed as a result of the Gulf War in the early 90’s.
But he said after the crisis ended, gasoline prices on Guam dropped while on Saipan, they have continued to rise.
“We buy the same gas people on Guam buy, yet we pay 25 cents to 30 cents more per gallon. That’s a huge difference,” Mr. Torres explained. “Wages here are less than on Guam and there’s no justification for such an excessive profit margin.”
