The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

UNDER new ownership, Texaco Bahamas has lowered its gas prices below $5 per gallon for as long as the current shipment of oil lasts.

During a press conference at Texaco’s head office yesterday, Stewart Gil, general manager of Rubis Bahamas Limited, announced Texaco stations in New Providence have lowered their gas prices to $4.90 for as long as the current shipment lasts.

“We come with good news today,” he said. “All indicators suggest the Bahamas is on its way to full recovery from what was a very grim economic climate. We survived the worst economic crisis since the great depression. These matters were compounded by a steady rise in the price of oil, thereby increasing the cost of petrol at the pumps.”

Rubis Bahamas Limited acquired Cheveron’s – formerly Texaco— fuel businesses in the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the Cayman Islands on April 30 to expand its presence in the Caribbean to 17 countries.

Mr Gill said Rubis is a French-based publicly traded fuels company that has operations across Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

While Mr Gill said he could not provide an exact time frame for how long prices will remain below $5 per gallon, he said Rubis will continue to pressure suppliers to get the lowest possible prices for their customers.

“The price is valid as long as the current shipment of product lasts,” he said, “we will continue to press on our suppliers to be able to achieve the best possible pricing, but in terms of this particular shipment we may see it through August.”

Mr Gill said the public can expect Rubis to provide high quality fuel, better service, refreshed facilities and a continuing effort to foster strong relationships with all stakeholders.

Texaco has seventeen participating locations in New Providence, including Carmichael Road, Wulff Road, Robinson Road, Porky’s, East and Solider Roads, Faith Avenue, East West, West Bay Street, East Bay Street and Armstrong Street, Mackey Street and Madeira Street, Harbour View, Prince Charles, Thompson Blvd, Joe Farrington Road, Nu-Way, Olde Towne Marina Station and Shirley Street Service Stations.

Regional Sales Executive Lamont Ellis said next summer the company will begin rebranding its stations.

“We will definitely want to begin our rebranding efforts next year, revamping the stations, working on customers service where they can come in and get that wow experience,” said Mr Ellis. “Pricing is a big deal, we definitely want to remain competitive as it relates to pricing – we want to have some gasoline promotions and store promotions, revamp the convenient stores and issue monthly specials.”

He said Rubis will continue with its corporate sponsorship, both in the private and government sectors.