The news source has reported that the Dominican Republic is facing criticism over the move from business and opposition leaders, who feel the government should not interfere in the private sector.
Government officials have stated that co-ownership has prevented them from expanding the refinery’s capacity and from importing the full allocation of fuel under the Venezuelan-government’s subsidized fuel scheme for poor Caribbean nations, Petrocaribe.
The Dominican Republic can import up to 50,000 barrels of oil per day under the scheme, but has so far been able to bring in around 35,000 barrels of oil per day.
The government move is widely seen as a way to combat rising fuel costs. Retail gasoline prices in the country are at $5 a gallon, according to AP.
