Gasoline providers reported normal fuel sales on Anti-Pump Day, despite the popularity of the boycott on social networking sites.
Colombian Senator Alexandra Moreno Piaquive had called on Colombians to boycott gasoline purchases on Monday, saying that prices in Colombia are tied to international prices and are too high for a petroleum producing nation like Colombia.
“This is a matter of political will by the government,” said Senator Moreno, who has argued for a lowering of taxes on fuel.
Senator Luis Fernando Velasco told local media, “It costs less than 90 cents to produce a gallon of gasoline that is sold to the public for more than five dollars…Where the hell is this [government] subsidy?”
In response to Monday’s boycott and the public outcry, Executive President of Fendipetroleo Rafael Barrera said, “We are supportive of a proposal to lower the price for consumers, but also to increase the profit margins of retailers and service stations so as not to damage business.”
