LP gas commission agents carry out important work so that this hydrocarbon reaches homes and businesses, however, at the consideration of the Mexican Association of Liquefied Gas Distributors and Related Companies (Amexgas), this figure must be regulated.
Carlos Serrano, president of Amexgas, indicated that being independent workers you do not have control over them, they only work with a contract under their word, they go and buy LP gas from the plants and distribute it, “they are natural persons, who are known as man-trucks, because they are the owner of their truck in most cases” .
It has been said that these LP gas commissioners do not have permits for distribution by the authority, but the truth is that they do exist, the CRE has between 40 and 50 authorizations registered.
However, there are around 4,000 commission agents in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM).
“It is had as an industry and as an authority to enter a process that allows to regularize commissioning (…) There are many other very important and fundamental aspects that we must review and take care of in order to carry out activities with greater order and security, ”he said at a press conference.
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Likewise, it did not rule out that LP gas commission agents could carry out new stoppages of activities because the economic impact is a reality.
From Amexgas they are being urged not to do so, but they are doing so that they let the distributors do their job, Serrano mentioned, adding that if an agreement is not reached on the maximum prices, the commission agents can suspend activities in the following days.
The economic impact that this implies is great, since In the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico, approximately 10,000 to 20,000 tons of LP gas are sold per day.
Negative implications
Amexgas said that it does not remove its finger from the rule and they hope to reach an agreement with the authorities on the maximum prices for LP gas, they ask that these reflect all the costs that must be considered to have a modern, safe, efficient industry and that guarantee supply.
Otherwise, the consequences will eventually be paid, which are: regional or temporary shortages, poor service, no security and giving entry to the black market for LP gas.
To size the industry, Serrano said that there are 1,299 distribution plants, 5,000 service stations, 35,000 tank trucks and cylinder trucks throughout the country, 200,000 direct jobs and 500,000 indirect jobs are generated.
If all costs are not considered in CRE’s price caps, it is estimated that there will be disinvestments causing less infrastructure and coverage for the population, he added.
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