Price and distribution of domestic gas affect users
Users seem affected by irregularities and the lack of respect to the official price of the 15 kg cylinder of domestic gas, which is $ 1.60 and that in certain distribution centers have increased to $ 2.50.
The cost of the cylinder increases if home delivery is included. There are sectors outside of Guayaquil, as in La Aurora sector developments, where the retail price rises to $ 5 for transportation.
According to surveyed marketers, the price disrespect of the gas cylinder is due to a “low profit margin”.
The President of the Association of Gas Distributors of Guayas, Stalin Poveda, defends the price increase for the service and explained that the final distribution cannot be sustained with a low profit margin, because the merchant buys the cylinder at $ 1.50 and that the $ 0.10 they earn do not cover expenses over employee salaries, utilities, and others.
On the other hand the Guayas Police mayor, Xavier Burbano, said the price controls are performed to ensure compliance with the store formal price and that paying for transportation to the home is up to the customer in accordance with the seller.
The situation has led to periodic shortages in cities around the country in recent months, which it directly affects users who expect an agreement between the parties (authorities, distributors and marketers) to achieve the solution of the problem.